Silverburn Shopping Centre is set to celebrate its 15th birthday this weekend after another mammoth year.
The shopping and leisure destination was officially opened in 2007 by Princess Anne after taking over the site previously occupied by the Pollok Centre.
While the original centre was well-loved by the local community, it was outdated and in desperate need of a sprucing up. Along came Silverburn - a brand new shopping centre, regenerating the area and attracting visitors from across the city.
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The centre is showing no signs of slowing down now it's approaching its twenties with new additions and initiatives still being announced regularly. Earlier this month, we reported on how the shopping centre has become dog friendly.
Initially, for a limited trial period, man’s best friend will be welcomed into Silverburn to join its owner to window-shop the latest fashion trends or accompany them on a dinner or coffee catch-up with friends.
One of the most significant milestones hit since Silverburn's grand opening was the completion of the £20 million leisure extension in 2015. The development included a 50,000sq ft 14-screen Cineworld which has just been fit out by IMAX.
Not to be outdone, the dining offerings have also been expanding with Döner Shack and Heavenly Desserts joining the likes of Thaikhun, Wagamama, Nandos and Mozza in recent months.
As well as a top shopping destination, the centre has become a special place for people - especially the couple who got engaged in the mall - and the local community. Around 85 per cent of people who work in the centre are from the local area while the centre's Giving Back programme saw £20,000 split between 10 deserving local charities and groups.
General manager, David Pierotti, is the longest-standing employee having been at the centre for 15 years.
He said: "We have seen lots of change since we opened our doors 15 years ago, but we are really proud that we have managed to build on our reputation as a leading retail and leisure destination. The calibre of shops we have is something we love to shout about, and we can’t wait to announce more names next year. Similarly, our food offer has gone from strength to strength. We have thought very carefully about the mix of restaurants and the names our shoppers want to see.
“Community and people are at the heart of Silverburn. The work we do with charities and community groups is a subject close to my heart and supporting local organisations is something we take seriously and do proactively. Lots of our shoppers visit us a few times a week and these people are the lifeblood of Silverburn. It’s testament to the environment we have created that they come again and again.
“We are excited about what the next 15 years have to bring. We believe we have something hugely special in Silverburn and we can’t wait to do bigger and better things.”
Silverburn will be holding a birthday party on Saturday (October 22) with DJ sets, choir performances and free doughnuts and milkshakes. Children's entertainment will also be set up.
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