The History of Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh

• Gyle is built on a 50 acre site (equivalent to 35 full size football pitches).
• Total retail space is 300,000 square feet.
• It took 18 months to complete construction.
• The £33 million mall fit-out commenced in March 1993.
• The amount of cabling used, if laid in a straight line, would stretch from Edinburgh to Paris.
• The copper roofing material used, if laid out would cover the pitch at Murrayfield seven times over.
• Materials were sourced worldwide creating a modern clean finish in Italian granite with clean glass and stainless steel, bathed in natural daylight. The centre piece is a stunning blue granite water feature with a unique scenic lift crafted in glass. The overall effect is complemented by interior landscaping and furniture.
• Specially commissioned sculptures adorn the immaculate landscaped grounds enclosing the 2,500 space car park.

Project Managers: Bovis Construction

Main Contractor: Wimpey Construction

Architects: Comprehensive Design

Contractor Cost Consultants: Gleeds

• Gyle began as a joint development between Edinburgh Council, Mark & Spencer & Safeway.
• The site where Gyle now stands had been earmarked as a potential development site for over 10 years.
• Location benefits were strong with over 600,000 people living within a 20 minute drive and 1 million living within a half hour drive.
• The original cost of the development was £68 million.
• Gyle opened in October 1993.
• In 1997 Gyle was purchased outright by Marks & Spencer at a cost of £122 million.
• Following a strategic portfolio review by Marks & Spencer, Gyle was sold to Universities Superannuation Scheme in March 2000 at a cost of £186 million.