Tag: The Centre Livingston

M Core invest almost £5m in the regeneration of The Centre, Livingston

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.”

Santa joins visitors at busy shopping centre

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 queue for the opening of MINISO for four hours

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.”

Strong Black Friday at The Centre

MINISO OPENING OFFERS TODAY

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,” said Saad 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.

Three new stores open in Livingston next week

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.”

Space Dome has landed at the Centre Livingston

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:

www.thecentrelivingston.com and social channels, @shopthecentre.

12 new openings at one of Scotland’s largest shopping centres including Flying Tiger and Wingstop, creating over 100 jobs

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.”

The Space Dome arrives in Livingston to help raise funds for CHAS

The Centre, Livingston has unveiled plans for the arrival of its first-ever 8m Space Dome, from the 18-27th October, where visitors can enjoy a 360° planetarium film experience through the galaxy and take part in science-themed activities, including handling Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina that are 4.6 billion years old.

The Space Dome, complete with giant space props, including a 5ft inflatable rocket and moon, has been created by the astronomer, Zee Dinally, who has travelled the world with his pop-up planetariums to give people an insight into the solar system and night sky.

The full-dome film with surround sound, entitled ‘Journey to Infinity’, is narrated by the former Blue Peter producer and BBC presenter, Sue Beardsmore, and takes you on virtual journey through space to explore distant galaxies from infinity to beyond, and discover how we are connected to the cosmos.

The event, which will take place during the October school break, is designed to provide an immersive, educational and fun experience for shoppers, especially avid space, astronomy and geology enthusiasts, who can learn more about meteorites that reveal 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 space trip and explore natural astronomical objects including stars, planets, the moon, asteroids, comets and galaxies. 

The Space Dome event, which will be located next to Waterstones and run daily from 10 – 4pm, also provides the opportunity to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, which is the winter charity partner at The Centre, Livingston, for the third consecutive year.

All activities are free with donations optional for CHAS, which provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children with life-shortening conditions and support for families, including respites and counselling.

Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so excited to be part of this amazing Space Dome adventure at The Centre, Livingston. 

“It’s a great way for families to enjoy some time together and make precious memories, which is exactly what’s at the heart of everything we do at CHAS. 

“Every donation, no matter the size, helps us bring moments of joy to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.”

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Space Dome event will give visitors the chance to enjoy a great day shopping, dining out and also have fun watching a captivating space-themed film in a planetarium, where you can soar through the solar system.

“We’ll also have astronaut costumes and VR headsets for children to experience their own personal voyages through the universe and other activities including the opportunity to handle real Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina, which are 4.6 billion years old.

“The event will also give us a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and funds for CHAS, who we are delighted to be supporting again this year.”

For more details, check out The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and social channels, @shopthecentre.

Two new stores set to open at The Centre, Livingston

The Centre, Livingston, which is one of the largest shopping centres in the country has unveiled plans to open a new jewellery store, F.Hinds and a 380-seater Marble Buffet restaurant, which will be their first site in a Scottish mall, creating a total of 41 new jobs for the local area.

F.Hinds is a sixth generation, family-run jewellers which opened its first store in London in 1856 and now has 118 stores across the UK, the store will offer a wide range of products for every age, taste and occasion, as well as popular services including jewellery and watch repairs.

The 1,395 sq. ft. store, which will be located next to Ryman, is due to open in August, bringing six new jobs to the shopping centre.

The 15,770 sq. ft. contemporary designed Marble Buffet restaurant, which will create 35 new jobs, will be located above Nando’s on Almondvale Boulevard, and is expected to open in May 2026.

It will feature live cooking stations with skilled chefs creating a wide selection of dishes from around the world including Asian, Indian and European.

The announcement follows the arrival of various new retailers to the shopping centre over the past 18 months, including the first Cinnabon in Scotland, Las Iguanas, wellbeing store Rituals, Danish lifestyle and homeware brand Sostrene Grene, Pop Specs, The Designer Rooms and a 90-seater Starbucks in February.

The new restaurant will complement the existing diverse mix of over 150 stores and eateries at The Centre, Livingston, which includes Flannels, H&M, River Island, M&S, Hotel Chocolat, wagamama and Five Guys, spanning over 1 million sq. ft., with over 3,000 parking spaces.

In addition to welcoming new retailers, the owners, LCP, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, also recently announced plans to expand into the leisure sector.

The UK’s leading family entertainment provider, Hollywood Bowl, is set to open a 26,000 sq. ft. venue next year featuring 22 cutting-edge bowling lanes, an arcade and a bar and diner, giving shoppers the opportunity to ‘shop, eat and play’ when they visit.

Rakesh Joshi, Director at LCP, part of M Core, said: “We are delighted to welcome another fantastic restaurant, Marble Buffet, to our wide mix of existing places to dine out at The Centre, Livingston and also another leading high-street jewellery brand, F.Hinds.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that all of our new openings continue to keep the shopping centre firmly on the Scottish map as the number one destination to visit and enjoy a great day out with family and friends.”

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to the opening of the jewellery store, F.Hinds and Marble Buffet’s first site in a shopping centre early next year and delighted they will be creating 41 new jobs in West Lothian.

“The new restaurant will give our visitors even more choice when it comes to enjoying quality time dining out.

“We will continue to strengthen the existing diverse range of eateries and shops at The Centre, Livingston, with even more exciting announcements coming soon.”

Jeremy Hinds, Retail Director at F.Hinds, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening a new F.Hinds store at The Centre, Livingston, a prime destination that aligns with our growth plans in Scotland.

“This new location gives us the opportunity to bring our extensive range of quality jewellery and exceptional customer service to even more people. We look forward to becoming part of the local community and supporting jobs in the area as we continue to expand our national presence.”

A spokesperson for Marble Buffet spokesperson, said: “This is a really exciting time for us at Marble Buffet as we countdown to the launch of our first restaurant in a shopping centre.

“The Centre, Livingston is the perfect location for us and we are really looking forward to welcoming customers locally, and from afar, who want to savour the taste of lots of different international cuisines, all under one roof, where there’s something to suit all tastes.”

Additional new openings at The Centre, Livingston over the past 18 months, include BeLeaf Juice Bar, Beauty’s Inn, Buzart, Afro Crest, Loris Parfum, The Watch Lab, Barclays Bank and Elite Smile Dental Clinic.

Free travel trail event for kids at The Centre, Livingston

This summer, The Centre, Livingston is inviting families to take part in a free ‘Around the World’ travel trail and learn fun facts about 30 countries, through a variety of different puzzles and games at six stations located around the shopping centre, for five weeks from Monday, 7th July until Sunday, 10th August from 11-4pm.

Visitors can pick up a free ‘Around the World’ passport at the ‘check-in’ desk, situated next to New Look, and get it stamped at every station, which will change every week, with Kenya, Brazil and Australia included in the first week.

Passports which have been stamped can be entered into competitions to be in with a chance of winning a variety of prizes from retailers, which includes a family travel voucher worth £4,000 from TUI, £3,000 from Hays Travel and £1,500 from Barrhead Travel. Other prizes include a £100 Voucher from Aerial Adventures, a suitcase from Ryman and four, £25 Gift Vouchers from Primark.

Beach themed activities and games and storytelling sessions will also take place at the ‘check-in’ desk every day and a variety of different travel and holiday-themed arts and crafts, which includes making animal wind chimes and an Egyptian wooden bookmark.

Tess Sundberg, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston said: “We are really looking forward to hosting our globe-trotting, ‘Around the World’ travel trail free activities at The Centre, Livingston this summer.

“The five-week event will provide a great opportunity for families to take some time out over the holidays and learn some fun facts about 30 countries by participating in lots of puzzles and games in the trail, located around the shopping centre, and also join in the daily travel-themed arts and crafts activities.”

For more information check out The Centre, Livingston social channels, @shopthecentre, and the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com, for competition Terms & Conditions.