It's been the biggest talking point in Plymouth for the past two years and now the Drake Circus shopping centre is finally set to open its doors to the public. Even the developers admit you either love the design or hate it, but say that's one of the great things about the £200 million complex.  | | The development and the Charles Cross Church |
Work started with the demolition of the old shop buildings and multi-storey car park in 2004. Some two years on, the shopping centre opens on Thursday 5th October. The development dominates the Drake Circus part of Plymouth City Centre, and is a real mixture of architectural designs. Inside the covered complex, there are nine major stores plus 48 smaller shops. There are cafes and restaurants, and a multi-storey car park with 1,270 spaces. Stores include Marks and Spencer, Next, Zara, Virgin Megastore, Ottakers, Boots, Primark, H&M, New Look, Coast and Oasis. It's hoped the Drake Circus development will boost Plymouth as a shopping venue.  | | The development has a mix of architectural styles |
The developers say they are delighted that the complex has attracted retailers which previously had no presence in Plymouth. The site has been developed by P&O Developments and the main contractors for the work are Bovis Lend Lease. The architects are London-based Chapman Taylor, whose design has probably been the most talked about topic in the city. Spokesman for the developers, Andrew Gould, admitted: "People fall into two camps, which is great - no-one is sitting on the fence. People either love it or they don't." On completion of the work, the freehold of the site is being handed over by Plymouth City Council to new owners Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund. The shops open at 9am on 5th October 2006, with the car park opening two hours earlier at 7am. | 
