Galleries Shopping Centre
The Retail Park Officially Opens
The Mayor of Sunderland officially opened the Retail Park with the help of some live street entertainment.
The owners Prupim, local councillors and many others were on hand to celebrate the achievement.
Guests were greeted with living statues, fire poi's and a juggler as they entered the marquee inside the retail park between Clarks and Next.
Inside, a magician astounded many people as his card tricks and watch stealing techniques had everyone in amazement.
Stilt walkers and guest then made their way to the centre of the retail park as the Mayor unveiled a plague to mark the occasion (see picture).
The entertainment continued inside as the champagne flowed when waiters surprised everyone by singing a collection of well known medleys.
The retail park has a full range of top high street names including; Next, Outfit, Peacocks, New Look, Brantano, Clarks, Halfords, Home Bargains and Pets at Home along with current retailers Aldi, Matalan and Au Naturale.
The 103,000 sq ft retail park is part of the £20million redevelopments in The Galleries that has included a state-of-the-art bus station and a complete rebuild of the west entrance.
More photos of the day will follow shortly.