A HOST of new names have signed up to Southampton's multi-million pound shopping centre.

The West Quay shopping complex has announced 14 new stores who will be on board when the centre opens it doors to the public this September.

The list is dominated by fashion outlets including Oasis, New Look, Next and Bay Trading, which will join stores already named such as Gap, H&M Hennes and Jeffrey Rogers.

Two stores which are completely new to the city are Claire's accessories and Suits You, a clothing store for men.

The new announcements mean that 85 per cent of the total 74,500 sq metre floor space has now been let with the rest under negotiation.

More names are expected to be announced by developers Hammerson next month.

And with the grand opening of the £270 million complex due in just six months' time developers are confident that the vast majority of the units will be up and running by then.

West Quay commercial director Colin Campbell said: "We are absolutely delighted that we are 85 per cent full, which is extremely good compared to other developments at a similar stage.

"We are also extremely pleased with the tenant mix which is going to bring a wide range of fashion offerings to Southampton.

"Great interest is being shown in the remaining space especially as prospective tenants visit Southampton and see the dramatic changes.''

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.