 Site
Preparation
Work started
on clearing the site in May 2007, and the photo shows that by mid
August most of the unwanted buildings had been demolished and pile
driving had started. The building in the right background is the
former Matthews furniture factory that will become part of the new
outlet centre. The buildings in the left background are the former
Downing's malthouses and Foster Brothers' oil & cake mills.
These are not owned by the main developer, and independent refurbishment
plans are being prepared for them.
 Construction
Progress
Construction work
started in October 2007, and three tower cranes were erected by
early November.
A topping out
ceremony was held on 6 May 2008 to celebrate laying some of the
upper level of concrete in the structure of the outlet centre.
The distinctive gull-wing shaped steel
and glass roof over the central courtyard was installed around the
end of August.
The photo shows
the view from the junction of Southgate St and St Ann Way on 20
Sep 2008.
 2009
By Feb 2009, the exterior of the building
was well advanced, and fitting out of the interior was under way.
The outlet centre
was opened to the public on 21 May 2009. (Photo right)
The upper floors of
this corner opened as a 96 room Travelodge hotel on 1 July.
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