TODAY the phonelines open to give dozens of local people the chance to have a sneak preview behind the scenes of Southampton's new multi-million pound shopping centre.

For just one day the West Quay complex will be opening its doors to visitors who will get a glimpse of what is in store for shoppers when it is launched this September.

The first 180 people to call the hotline or to reply by e-mail will get an exclusive tour of the £270 million centre which is just six months away from completion.

The event is being held to celebrate the end of National Construction Week on April 9.

Colin Campbell, West Quay's commercial director, said: "This will provide an opportunity for the people of Southampton to see the development of their shopping centre as it happens.

"Most of the scaffolding has been taken down in the main atrium and it is now possible to appreciate the true size and beauty of the place."

In the past six months the inside of the shopping centre has come on in leaps and bounds with some shop fitting already taking place.

Groups of 12 people will be given a 45-minute tour of the construction at regular intervals during Sunday April 9.

The event was held last year and more than 600 people bombarded the phonelines anxious for an exclusive look at the new centre, but many were disappointed when they had to be turned away.

Paul Del-a-more, manager of city information who are co-ordinating the tours, said: "It is a really popular tour and the demand for them was huge last year.

"Places will be given on a first come, first served basis. I think it is so popular because it is a brand new development in Southampton and there is so much interest in it.

"They are seeing the city change and beginning to flourish. Now it is so close to being finished people are really interested in the centre."

Phonelines to book a place on a tour opened at 8.30am this morning and run every weekday until 5.30pm. On Saturday they are open between 9am-4pm. A voice mail will record your details after office hours.

Call 023 8083 3333 or e-mail city.information@southam-pton.gov.uk

Lines close on Friday April 7.

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