The Centre Livingston
Shopping Center | Livingston | Scotland | United Kingdom
Largest shopping center in Scotland
"The Centre Livingston" in Livingston, Scotland, is one of the largest and most significant shopping centers in the country and a central part of the town, which was founded in 1962 as one of the five Scottish "New Towns." It was built in several phases, starting with the first phase in 1976, which was then known as the "Livingston Regional Centre" and was later renamed the "Almondvale Shopping Centre." A major renovation took place in 1988, followed by an expansion in 1996 of about 21,000 square meters, bringing the center to approximately 51,000 square meters. However, the most significant development came in 2008 with the opening of "The Elements," an additional expansion of 32,500 square meters that solidified the name to "The Centre Livingston." Today, it encompasses over 83,000 square meters of retail space and ranks among the 30 largest shopping centers in the UK, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Shopping center with restaurants and cafes
The shopping offering includes over 150 stores, catering to a wide range of retail needs. Major retailers include well-known brands such as Marks & Spencer, Primark, H&M, Next, Flannels, JD Sports, and Schuh, making the center a paradise for fashion-conscious shoppers. This is complemented by providers like Boots, Superdrug, WHSmith, and Waterstones, which offer cosmetics, health products, and books, as well as smaller specialty shops that add a personal touch. Adjacent to it is the Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotland's largest outlet center, which makes the region one of the largest contiguous shopping areas in the UK, with a total retail space of over 120,000 square meters.
Modern architecture of shopping centers
In addition to shopping, "The Centre Livingston" is also a destination for dining and leisure. There are a variety of restaurants and cafés, including well-known names like Nando’s, Five Guys, Wagamama, Chiquito, ASK Italian, and Greggs, offering a wide culinary selection from international cuisine to British classics. These dining establishments are often open late, making the center attractive even outside shopping hours. However, leisure activities are limited, with the proximity to the Designer Outlet providing additional options such as a cinema or adventure golf. The center itself features facilities like an indoor play area for children, making it family-friendly.
Family-friendly leisure activities in Livingston
The architecture of the center is modern and well thought out, focusing on the feel of an "indoor High Street." Notably, "The Elements" stands out: it features a transparent ETFE roof structure—similar to the Eden Project in Cornwall—that allows natural light in and creates a starry sky atmosphere in the evenings with embedded lights. The shopping streets are designed with double-height glass facades, terracotta and zinc walls, and granite floors, enhancing the impression of an open, urban space. Additional areas like "The Wintergarden" and "Elements Square" provide further public spaces for relaxation. The center is mostly single-level, which facilitates accessibility, and offers services like Shopmobility with free wheelchair and scooter rentals, as well as a customer service desk.
Shopping destination in Scottish New Towns
Transportation is another advantage. "The Centre Livingston" has 7,200 parking spaces, which are paid but start at moderate rates of around 50 pence per hour. It is located directly off the M8 motorway, about 24 kilometers west of Edinburgh and 56 kilometers east of Glasgow, making it easily accessible. Public transport options such as buses and trains connect the center via the nearby Livingston North and Livingston South stations, as well as a central bus terminal with the surrounding towns. This strategic location in the heart of the Scottish Central Belt enhances its role as a regional shopping destination.
Throughout its history, the center has been modernized multiple times to keep pace with the changing demands of the times. The 2008 expansion was a turning point that transformed not only the size but also the image of the center from a simple shopping mall to a modern experience venue. It is currently part of the LCP Group, a part of M Core, after previously being managed by Land Securities. Despite its success, there has been criticism: some visitors complain about parking fees, which are often waived at other Scottish centers, and see the center as a reason for the decline of retail in smaller surrounding towns. Nonetheless, it remains an economic engine for Livingston, supported by events such as seasonal competitions or charitable initiatives that engage the community.
