Newbury Parkway Opens

27 October 2011, 05:00 | Updated: 27 October 2011, 08:49

A new multi-million pound shopping centre in Newbury won't destroy the feel of the town - that's according to West Berkshire Council.

The shopping centre in the heart of the Berkshire town includes big names like Debenhams, Marks and Spencer and Top Shop.

There are also 147 flats, some of which are affordable homes, and a 550-space car park.

Standard Life Investments is in charge of the venture and say the centre will be a massive boost for the area.

There have been concerns that smaller traders will suffer and that it will turn Newbury Town Centre into a 'mini-me' of Reading.

Nick Carter, Chief Executive at West Berkshire Council, has told Heart it will add to the town in a positive way.

"We've still got the historic town centre.You can't really say that what was there before in Parkway was particularly attractive - some people describe it as a bit of a wasteland. I think what we've got there now is a very modern development. I think it really does bring something to the town."

New traffic arrangements also come into force today. Buses will come out of the pedestrian areas and serve the town via Park Way and Park Way Bridge, rather than Northbrook Street and Bartholomew Street North.

The bridge is only be for buses, taxis and cycles. There are also more taxi ranks.

Bill Nicholls from Wallingford has been taking photos of Parkway's development for three years.

See how much the site has changed on his website.