LIKE a phoenix rising from the ashes, an ultra modern granite structure is slowly taking shape in the Longfield shopping centre.

For months shoppers and traders alike have complained about the precinct being like a building site, but the end to the rubble is now in sight.

An original completion date for last month was put back to February and project manager Steve Lever is still optimistic that the deadline will be met.

He said this week: "We are still on track for completion in mid-February and are planning an opening ceremony in March. There is quite a bit of work to be done but we are now getting to the points that make the project all the more special, like etching poetry into the granite and incorporating artwork."

The project was hit with a major delay after granite being transported from China caused some logistical problems and the Longfield Centre's annual Christmas tree lights switch-on was relocated nearer to the car park as the water feature was unfinished.