HEREFORD'S multi-million pound retail complex has been crowned as the UK's best new shopping centre.

The Old Market, which opened in May, saw off competition from a designer shopping mall in London and a trendy complex in York featuring a huge John Lewis outlet.

The news has been hailed a "fantastic recognition for the development and the city" by Herefordshire Council leader Cllr Tony Johnson.

The news comes just a week after it was revealed the £90 million complex had helped Hereford climb 38 places to 76th in the UK's best shopping venues list - its highest ever position.

Old Market bosses received the latest prize during the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) Gold Awards at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

"I was delighted to see that the Old Market development in Hereford has secured a gold award, winning the new centre of the year category," said Cllr Johnson.

"This is fantastic recognition for the development and the city, and I congratulate all concerned."

The Old Market was also marked ahead of fellow nominees Carters Square in Uttoxeter, the London Designer Outlet in north London, New Square in West Bromwich and York's Vangarde Shopping Park.

Old Market centre manager Scott Lahive said: "This is a fantastic endorsement of the city of Hereford.
"Since Old Market opened in May, shoppers have stayed in Hereford and come from far and wide to spend the day here."

Mark Bourgeois, chair of the awards jury, said: "This £90m development, sitting immediately adjacent to the city centre, has been carefully master-planned to ensure that it fully integrates with and strengthens the established city centre.

"Based on an open street format, the architectural style and palette of materials respond to their context, creating a sense of place that will stand the test of time.

"The development is trading beyond expectations and provides the basis from which the future development phases can progress."

The restaurant chain Wildwood is the latest to register an interest in moving on to the development.

If it does, it would be the 12th Old Market venue serving food and drink.

Other prizes at the BCSC Awards went to Sheffield's Meadowhall Shopping Centre which received a sustainability award, while Aycliffe town centre in Durham won best refurbishment and/or extension.