| AdminHistory | The development of Livingston town centre had always been planned so that it would progress in phases. With the completion of Phase 1 in 1978, there were plans in place as early as 1979 to expand the shopping centre in Almondvale Phase II. Difficulties in funding, and proposed rival 'mega' shopping centres in Bathgate and at Gyle, in the suburbs of Edinburgh, delayed the expansion of the shopping centre until the 1990s. After a number of other developers dropped out due to the delays, Ravenseft, renamed Land Securities, and owners of Phase I, agreed to fund Phase II developments by Amec and the Safeway group. Phase II was opened on the 17th August 1996 and contained three department stores and an additional 41 shop units. The Centre continued to develop after the dissolution of the Corporation. Phase III was completed in 2008. As of 2012 retail space at The Centre is now over 1 million sq ft and dominates Livingston's town centre.
Outside of the shopping centre, the Corporation undertook a number of expansions and improvements in the town centre, adding further office accommodation, retail warehousing, sports complexes, Almondvale Football Stadium, conference facilities and 'Almondvale Boulevard' - the closest equivalent to a high street in Livingston. |