FIVE new retailers have signed up to become part of the rapidly developing Eden shopping centre.

More than one year into construction the huge structure now dominates the skyline on Oxford Road.

It is due to open in Spring 2008 and Multiplex have promised the development will be one of the region's most exciting shopping and leisure destinations and will attract new visitors to the town centre. Anchor stores House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer are already at an advanced construction stage.

And Pumpkin Patch, Office Shoes, Monsoon, Accessorize and Gap are the latest retailers to sign up to be part of High Wycombe's new shopping experience. With 18 months to go until opening more than 80 per cent of the 600,000 sq ft of space is now let and the second floor is currently being transformed into a bowling alley.

The development is greatly anticipated by many shoppers as it will propel the town into the top 50 UK shopping destinations and include many popular high street brands, meaning they no longer have to travel to other shopping centres such as the Harlequin in Watford.

Tim Buckley, lettings director for Multiplex Developments, said: "This latest raft of lettings secured for Eden includes some first class brands that High Wycombe has never been able to offer before.

"We are also in advanced negotiations with other exciting names who are keen to be part of the quality Eden experience. Our plan is to ensure that Eden will completely revitalise the town centre and place High Wycombe firmly on the map as the shopping destination of choice along the M40 corridor."

The shopping centre is part of a £500 million regeneration programme which is hoped will revitalise High Wycombe.

The new bus station, which opened in August has been given the seal of approval by 70 per cent of passengers in a satisfaction survey and the Westbourne Street Car Park, in the Desborough Road area is currently being levelled and surfaced to provide 100 car park spaces in time for the Christmas rush in December.