Shoppers turned up in their droves at The Centre, Livingston for the opening of Scotland’s largest JD Sports store on Thursday (9th July).
The retailer, known as the ‘King of Trainers’, which has over 350 stores across the UK, relocated in the shopping centre due to customer demand.
The store opened with a celebratory launch which included a Spin the Wheel competition, running from Friday until Sunday, goody bags and a DJ.
Larissa Fleming from Livingston said: “The new store looks amazing – it is really bright with a lovely layout and has a fantastic selection of trainers and clothing.
I just had to treat myself to a new pair of On Cloud trainers which I’ve had my eye on for a while.”
Tammy Wilson, who was shopping with her son Rory, said: “It was great to pop into the new-look JD Sports store this morning, which my son is a big fan of.
“He picked out a really nice pair of Montirex shorts and t-shirt, but I have a feeling we’ll be back again very soon – we loved it!”
Pic Greg Macvean 09/07/2026
The Centre, Livingston – JD Sports store opening
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “The new larger JD Sports store looks fantastic and really enhances our overall offering at The Centre, Livingston – we are very confident it will be a big hit with our shoppers!”
Scotland’s first digital, 360° ‘Kick & Play’ football cube, which is used by FC Bayern Munich as an immersive experience at FC Bayern World has arrived in the country for the first time at The Centre, Livingston (today, 12th June), in time for the big game in the World Cup this Sunday, 14th June.
The 16 square metre, hi-tech, skills.lab Cube, featuring interactive LED walls, which is part of the shopping centre’s ‘Kick & Play – Summer of Football’ events programme, is designed to give visitors of all ages the chance to put their skills to the test and enjoy a free immersive football experience.
Pic Greg Macvean 12/06/2026
The Centre, Livingston – SCOTLAND’S ONLY DIGITAL 360° FOOTBALL CUBE ARRIVES AT THE CENTRE, LIVINGSTON IN TIME FOR THE COUNTRY’S FIRST WORLD CUP GAME ON SUNDAY 14TH JUNE
The skills.lab Cube, which has permanent residency in the Bayern Munich Superstore and previously at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, and also a big hit in fan zones in Germany during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, is operated with a touch screen where players can switch between six pre-set, fun and challenging games.
These include Chase Next and Stroop, with moving, glowing targets, where the aim is to test technical and cognitive skills like passing accuracy, ball control and reaction time in short, high-intensity rounds and get the highest score, which is recorded using laser tracking technology, which provides visual and audio feedback.
It will remain in situ next to Burger King until the 30th July.
The Centre, Livingston, which has been kitted out with hanging football flags covering every nation taking part in the World Cup, will also be running lots of football-related arts and crafts during the weekends in July.
These range from designing a football strip and decorating a football money bank to making keyrings, medals and flags, which are free with donations optional for The Centre, Livingston’s charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), which provides palliative care, respite, and family support to babies, children, and young people with life-shortening conditions.
A ‘Guess the Number of Footballs’ competition, located in a display next to schuh, is also running until the 24th July, where shoppers can enter using a QR code, which directs them to the shopping centre website, to take part. Prizes include Gift Cards from various retailers including New Look and Aerial Adventures.
Lewis O’Connor from Bonnyrigg, who was visiting The Centre, Livingston with his three children and wife and took time out to enjoy a kick about with the family, said: “The football cube is a great idea which our kids really enjoyed.
“We are big Scotland fans and heading out to Miami soon to see Scotland play Brazil, which has been a life-long dream of mine, and feels even more extra special that I’m taking my son who loves his football.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our 360°, digital football skills.lab Cube is a great way for fans to put their football skills to the test during the World Cup tournament.
“The games are great fun and provide the perfect opportunity for everyone taking part to show off their skills and get instant feedback on all their drills, passing power and goal scoring.”
For more information check out The Centre, Livingston social channels, @shopthecentre, and the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com, for competition Terms & Conditions.
The 50th anniversary celebrations at The Centre, Livingston got off to a great start at The Centre, Livingston at the weekend (Saturday, 30th May), with a local boy from Bathgate winning a £500 Gift Card in a plinko game hosted by Go Radio’s Gina McKie and the unveiling of the ‘Livi the Unicorn’ mascot.
Excited shoppers queued to take part in the ‘50 Gift Cards Giveaway Competition’ of varying denominations, with Kasper Wong, who was visiting The Centre, Livingston with his dad and younger brother, hitting the jackpot and securing the one-off £500 prize.
The Centre, Livingston. 50 years anniversary.
Picture by Stuart Vance
The ‘Livi the Unicorn’ mascot was also unveiled and introduced to visitors for the first time and handed out free wildflower seeds. Shoppers were invited to join in the celebrations with complimentary popcorn and face painting, with donations optional for the shopping centre’s charity partner, Firefly Arts, who have been running drama classes and workshops for young people in the local community for over 30 years.
The Centre, Livingston also celebrated their golden anniversary on Friday, 29th May, with pupils from nine local primary schools, proudly watched on by teachers and parents, in a time capsule lowering ceremony, following a project with the schools to help mark the 50th milestone.
Contributions included poems and letters which represented their experiences of life today and their sense of community and hopes for the future.
A ‘Blether Bench’ was also launched next to Primark to encourage visitors to share their memories and reminisce about years gone by.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “What a fantastic buzz in the shopping centre over the past few days as we launched the start of our 50th anniversary celebrations.
“It was great to welcome pupils in from the local primary schools to help fill and lower our time capsule and invite all of our shoppers to help mark our major milestone with us on Saturday with the chance to win a gift card to treat themselves, which kickstarted a programme of exciting events which will take place throughout the year.”
The Centre, Livingston. 50 years anniversary.
Picture by Stuart Vance
Keep an eye on The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and social channels for more information on upcoming celebratory events throughout the year.
RANKED THE MOST ATTRACTIVE SHOPPING CENTRE IN SCOTLAND
M Core, owners of The Centre, Livingston invests almost £5m on the regeneration of the shopping centre, which includes launching a new leisure hub later this year and a new sustainability programme which includes reusing pallets for planters and bug hotels.
Since acquiring The Centre, Livingston less than two years ago, M Core has delivered a comprehensive ‘repositioning’ of the shopping centre, which is one of Scotland’s largest retail destinations, spanning 1m sq. ft. and attracting 15.4m visitors a year.
The regeneration programme has focused on strengthening its retail, leisure and social offer while ensuring long-term sustainability for the local community.
In 2025 the shopping centre welcomed various new brands, including Wingstop, a 90-seater Starbucks, Sostrene Grene, MINISO and Flying Tiger, with more new openings in the pipeline this year and expansions, including JD Sports, which will be tripling in size and launching in the spring.
Sustainability has been central to the regeneration programme which includes replacing a section of the roof using a 100% recyclable membrane and improved recycling systems, which have all contributed to lower consumption and reduced carbon emissions.
Further improvements are underway with the phased replacement of the Building Management System which will monitor and control all lights, heating and cooling systems more effectively to help reduce its carbon footprint. Delivery pallets have also been recycled to build planters and bug hotels.
In recognition of the significant transformation at The Centre, Livingston, the company, which is one of Europe’s leading property collectives, has been named a finalist in the Regeneration Project of the Year category at the 13th Scottish Property Awards, which takes place in Glasgow next month.
M Core has also been announced as the leading Investment Manager in Scotland in the Going Shopping 2026 report by Trevor Wood Associates, with The Centre, Livingston ranked the most attractive shopping centre in Scotland.
Simon Eatough, Director at LCP, part of M Core and Asset Manager to The Centre, Livingston said: “Our regeneration programme is well under way at The Centre, Livingston with even more exciting plans afoot.
“Being recognised for our efforts to revitalise the shopping centre is a great achievement for everyone who has been involved in the regeneration programme.
“Our work at The Centre, Livingston is grounded in long-term investment, active management and close collaboration with our partners and community.
“We’re very proud of the progress achieved so far and remain committed to ensuring The Centre, Livingston continues to thrive as a retail, dining and leisure destination for West Lothian and beyond.”
The tills were ringing at the weekend at The Centre, Livingston, one of Scotland’s largest shopping centres, with visitors enjoying the pre-Christmas sales, with a few of them also taking time out to share their wish lists with Santa.
Rhona McGill from Galashiels, who was visiting with her soon-to-be daughter in-law, Mhairi Kyle, picked up lots of bargains from stores including New Look, River Island and H&M, said: “We are having a great day out at The Centre, Livingston ticking off our presents list and of course getting some nice bits and pieces for ourselves too.
“We tend to visit regularly as there’s so many great shops to choose from, and being indoors helps, especially at this time of year.
“We still have a few gifts to get, including aftershave for my husband, new pajamas too, which we’ll get from Primark, and then we’ll pop into one of my all-time-favourite stores, Yankee Candle, to pick up a few of their festive scented candles, which always capture the magic of Christmas and make for great stocking fillers too.”
Santa, who has been popping into The Centre, Livingston to greet families ahead of the big day for 19 years, also took time out of his busy schedule to pick up some surprises for Mrs Claus from Pandora, assisted by his helpful elf.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “This has been a fantastic year for us at The Centre, Livingston as we’ve welcomed so many new retailers including MINISO, Flying Tiger and Wingstop, which helps to enhance the overall experience even more for our customers when they visit.
“It was a win-win for lots of our shoppers at the weekend who also took advantage of the pre-Christmas sales and managed to catch up with Santa too!”
Pic Greg Macvean 06/12/2025
The Centre, Livingston Christmas Sale Pics & CHAS gift card
At The Centre, Livingston, which is visited by over 14.8m people a year, there’s over 150 stores and restaurants, including M&S, Lush, Rituals, JD Sports, The Entertainer, wagamama and Nando’s, and over 3000 parking spaces
Over 300 people turned up in their droves to The Centre, Livingston at the weekend, (29th November), for the opening of the pop culture retailer, MINISO, over four hours before the store opened, including the first customers, mum Helen Cornwell from Linlithgow and her daughters, Bonnie, (10) and Andie, (8) who are big fans of the brand.
The opening was marked with a celebratory ribbon cutting at 12noon, live music and a visit from MINISO’S mascot PenPen. The first 200 shoppers who spent £5 also received a goody bag worth £25.
The brand is known for its colourful and trendy design-led lifestyle products, including unique collectables, fun stationary, plush toys and figurines from brands like Hello Kitty, Harry Potter and Friends, and its beauty and homeware range.
Mum Helen who was in the queue before 8am, said: “My daughters love everything about MINISO, including the soft toys and keyrings, so I thought I’d make their day and start queuing up early with them to get a first peek and the wait was well worth it!
“They both loved browsing the store and getting a goody bag too. I have a feeling we’ll be regular visitors!”
The opening of MINISO follows on from three other launches at the shopping centre over the past three weeks, including the Danish global brand, Flying Tiger on Friday 28th November, where over 200 people queued for over an hour and The Works the day before.
The opening of Wingstop on the 10th November also attracted huge crowds, with over 200 fans queuing for over two hours to be first in line to get their hands on the famous wings.
The new arrivals follow on from additional recent openings, including the jewellers, F.Hinds at The Centre, Livingston,
The shopping centre, which is one of the largest in Scotland, is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading privately owned commercial property development and management companies and welcomes over 14.8m visitors a year.
It has over 150 shops and restaurants, all under one roof, including River Island, Flannels, H&M, Pandora, Hotel Chocolat, wagamama and Nando’s, and 7,000 parking spaces.
Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “This has been a really exciting time for us and our shoppers at The Centre, Livingston as we welcome four new brands to the shopping centre, including MINISO, Flying Tiger, The Works and Wingstop.
“There was such a fantastic buzz in the air at the weekend, not only with shoppers turning up to get a first glimpse of the new stores but also to enjoy some of the Black Friday sales.
“Our new openings continue to further enhance our offering for visitors to enjoy a great day out shopping and dining out at their favourite stores and restaurants in the run-up to Christmas.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, which has over 150 stores and restaurants including M&S, Flannels, wagamama and Wingstop said: said: “There was a great buzz in the shopping centre today as our shoppers enjoyed the Black Friday sales, snapping up some great bargains ahead of Christmas.
“The opening of Flying Tiger on the day was an added bonus for fans of the brand who queued for over an hour prior to the launch and were treated to a special goody bag.
“We are also expecting the weekend ahead to be busy especially with the arrival of another new global brand to the shopping centre on Saturday, MINISO, which is renowned for its high-quality and affordable pop culture products and collectibles.”
Global lifestyle retailer MINISO, renowned for its high-quality and affordable pop culture products and collectibles, is delighted to announce the opening of its latest UK store in The Centre, Livingston on 29th November at 12pm.
Opening just in time for the festive season, the new MINISO store is a treasure trove of must-have gifts and goodies. From trending Vinyl Plush and collectible blind boxes to cute plush toys, beauty essentials, lifestyle accessories, and tasty treats, there’s something for everyone, perfect for stocking fillers and all your gift-giving needs this season.
Shoppers can also discover exclusive licensed collections, featuring Hello Kitty & Friends, Sylvanian Families, Harry Potter, and the all-new Disney Zootropolis 2 range, which launched nationwide in all stores on 24th November.
To celebrate the opening, the first 200 customers who spend a minimum of £5 will receive a special goody bag worth £25, while stocks last.
“Opening our new store at The Centre, Livingston, allows us to connect with the local community and share the MINISO experience with more shoppers,” saidSaad Usman, Chief Operating Officer at MINISO UK.
“We look forward to welcoming both loyal fans and first-time visitors to explore our wide range of high-quality, affordable products that brighten everyday life.”
Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “The opening of MINISO will be a fantastic addition to our existing diverse mix of retailers at the shopping centre.
“It continues to highlight our commitment to attracting even more global brands to The Centre, Livingston and enhancing the overall customer experience for our visitors.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston,said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming MINISO to The Centre, Livingston, which is guaranteed to provide a fun and immersive adventure for our shoppers – both loyal fans and those who are new to the brand.”
Join the celebration on 29th November and discover the joyful one-stop shop to elevate the ordinary.
The countdown is on to the opening of three new stores at one of Scotland’s largest shopping centres, The Centre, Livingston next week, The Works on Thursday, 27th, Flying Tiger Copenhagen on the 28th, which is Black Friday and MINISO on Saturday, 29th November.
The three new arrivals follow on from the recent opening of Wingstop and the jewellers, F.Hinds at The Centre, Livingston, which has over 150 shops and restaurants, including M&S, Flannels, River Island, JD Sports, wagamama and Nando’s, welcoming over 14.8m visitors a year.
The Works, which sells a wide range of books, art and craft supplies, stationery, toys and games, including stocking filler essentials, will open at 9am on Thursday, 27th November. Visitors can enjoy live product demonstrations and free activity sheets and stickers for children.
The opening of Flying Tiger Copenhagen the following day at 9am, will be marked with an official, celebratory ribbon ceremony, with the first 200 customers receiving a complimentary goody bag.
The global Danish brand, which specialises in creating modern, seasonal items and contemporary, colourful everyday essentials, from homeware and stationery to toys and decorations, will also be running various promotions on the day and a ‘Spin the Wheel’ competition to win prizes. The brand’s mascot will also be making an appearance to entertain shoppers.
Opening just in time for Christmas, visitors to the store will be able to pick up everything they need for the festive season, including stocking fillers, gadgets, games and sweet treats.
Pic Greg Macvean 03/07/2025
The Centre, Livingston – Style Squad and Miniso
The pop culture retailer, MINISO, will open the day after Flying Tiger Copenhagen, on Saturday, 29th November at 12noon, with goody bags for the first 200 shoppers who spend £5, which are worth £25. There will also be a special visit from MINISO’s mascot, Penpen.
The brand is known for its fun, colourful and trendy design-led lifestyle products, including unique collectables, plush toys and figurines from brands like Hello Kitty, Harry Potter and Friends, and its beauty and homeware range.
The Centre, Livingston, which is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading privately owned commercial property development and management companies, has welcomed various other brands this year including Starbucks, Aunty Anne’s, XXXTra and the country’s first darts store, ArrowHeadz.
Pizza Dawgz and Cake Box is expected to open early next year and Marble Buffet in the summer, which will be their first site in a Scottish shopping centre.
The company is also planning to expand into the leisure sector with the opening of Hollywood Bowl in 2026, featuring 22 lanes, an arcade and a bar and diner.
Michael Burke, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Managing Director UK and Ireland, said: ‘‘We’re thrilled to be opening our new store at The Centre, Livingston, just in time for the festive season. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring our unique mix of fun, creative and affordable products to even more shoppers.
“We look forward to welcoming customers in to explore the range and find everything they need to make this Christmas that bit more magical.’’
Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming three new brands to The Centre, Livingston, The Works, Flying Tiger Copenhagen and MINISO which is great timing, just ahead of Christmas.
“Alongside our existing mix of great places to shop and dine out, which has been enhanced even more this year with many exciting new arrivals, we are confident all three new openings will be a big hit with our shoppers.”
The Space Dome has landed at The Centre, Livingston where visitors to the shopping centre can enjoy a 360° planetarium film experience through the galaxy and take part in science-themed activities, created by the astronomer, Zee Dinally, including handling 4.6-billion-year-old Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina.
The free event, which will take place until Monday the 27th October, is located beside Waterstones.
It is designed to provide an immersive, educational and fun experience where you can learn about natural astronomical objects including stars, planets, the moon, asteroids, comets and galaxies, and meteorites thatreveal the ancient geometry of the solar system.
There will also be a Virtual Reality Zone with headsets and astronaut costumes for children to embark on their own virtual solar trip and inflatable space props.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Space Dome event has already been a bit hit with our shoppers, especially avid space enthusiasts, who are enjoying taking a virtual trip thought the night sky and learning more about our solar system.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming more mini astronomers over the October school break.
“With over 150 stores and restaurants to choose from, and all under one roof, The Centre, Livingston really is the perfect place to enjoy a great, family fun-filled day out where you can shop, eat and play.”
For more details, check out The Centre, Livingston website, visit:
The Centre, Livingston, one of Scotland largest shopping centres, adds Wingstop and Flying Tiger to its list of 12 new openings, creating over 100 jobs for the local area.
Since the start of the year the shopping centre has welcomed the arrival of a 90-seater Starbucks café, Aunty Anne’s, F.Hinds, XXXTRA and last month, ArrowHeadz first darts store in the country.
Plans for further openings before Christmas include Wingstop’s 4,780 sq.ft. restaurant, the Danish lifestyle brand, Flying Tiger, MINISO, Cake Box and Pizza Dawgz. Marble Buffet is expected to open its 380-seater restaurant next summer, which will be their first site in a Scottish mall.
In addition to new openings, various retailers are also expanding and relocating including JD Sports, which will move from a 9,500 sq ft to a 14,800 sq ft prime location and also Born in Scotland.
Clintons has just relocated and opened a new-look store, which is the first of its kind in Scotland, featuring new furniture, fittings and a refreshed layout, designed to enhance the overall shopping experience.
Retailers which have extended their lease include Lush, Las Iguanas, Foot Locker, Smiggle, Krispy Kreme, Deichmann, Menkind, The Celtic Shop and Subway.
The new arrivals will add to the extensive range of over 150 stores and restaurants at the shopping centre, which spans over 1 million sq. ft. and attracts 14.8 million visitors a year from around the country.
These include M&S, Flannels, River Island, H&M, Primark, wagamama and Nando’s.
Owners of The Centre, Livingston, LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, have also recently announced major expansion plans into the leisure sector with the opening of Hollywood Bowl in 2026, featuring 22 lanes, an arcade and a bar and diner.
Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “This is a really exciting time for us at The Centre, Livingston as we welcome 12 new retailers to our existing, wide mix of great places to shop and dine out, and create over 100 new jobs for the local area.
“The new openings allow us to strengthen our commitment to revitalising our offering at the shopping centre and provide something for everyone who visits us.
“We will continue to add even more new global brands to our portfolio to ensure we remain firmly on the Scottish map as the number one shopping centre to visit, with further announcements coming soon.”
