THESE are the first images of a £64m redevelopment of a Hampshire shopping centre.

Whiteley’s previous designer outlet centre has now been totally demolished, ready to be replaced with new shops, cafés, restaurants and public facilities – creating up to 1,000 jobs.

Villagers have welcomed the news that exclusive brand outlet shops will be replaced with high street favourites – with retail giants Next and Marks & Spencer committing to anchor the scheme.

Developers, the Whiteley Co-Ownership Trust, say around half of the 50 units planned at the site have now been pre-let.

‘Community focus’ Other companies lined up to fill the centre include H&M, Boots, JD Sports, Bank, Sports Direct, Frankie & Benny’s and Starbucks.

It has been promised that the new shopping area will be “community-focused” – and an extension to the Meadowside Leisure Centre has already been built to house community spaces.

There is also set to be a free car park with 1,136 spaces at the new development.

A new square will be created in the middle of the shopping area, and architects Corstophine say shop fronts will feature double height glazing and oak panels – creating a “contemporary design” and making use of natural materials.

Developers have also promised “extensive energy efficient and sustainability features” including roof-mounted solar panels on the shops.

Whiteley Parish Council chairman Mike Evans will be a special guest at a groundbreaking ceremony next week, to mark the official start of the construction work.

He said he was “delighted” by the news that high street retailers have pledged to fill the new units.

“This is very good news for Whiteley,” he added. “The whole project is going exceptionally well.”

The shopping centre is set to open in spring 2013.