SHOPPING in Preston took on a whole new look this week as the latest phase of St George's Shopping Centre opened.

An impressive new glass entrance to the shopping centre heralds the completion of the second phase of the massive two-and-a-half-year programme which is aimed at upgrading the centre's dowdy sixties image.

The new mall, which runs from the centre of the shopping centre to Friargate, will bring plenty of new shops to the centre, including a major fashion retailer.

Several other firms have relocated from their current units within the St George's Centre, including Holland and Barratt, Clinton Cards and the Perfume Shop. Several other major signings will be announced soon.

However, a proposed new pub will not be in place after councillors refused to give it planning permission.

Carol Lowde, centre manager at the shopping centre, said: "This marks a significant step forward for the centre and its customers. It is a very exciting time for everyone.

"The whole aspect of the Centre looks much more open, and it will be the first time natural light has been allowed inside the centre.

"We are beginning to get an inkling of what the new centre will look like, and it is very, very impressive."

Included in the latest phase is a new toilet block, a lift to all three levels, new flooring and new 'natural' lighting.

The first phase of work was completed in June this year, with £5 million being spent on rebuilding the centre's car park, which was shut last year when it was deemed structurally unsafe. The new car park, the skeleton of which is dominating Preston's town centre skyline, should hold 450 spaces.

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