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More big names lined up for new Birmingham shopping complex

Five more stores have been announced for Birmingham's new shopping complex, which will open a month today.

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The Grand Central development, which will sit above the revamped Birmingham New Street station, will be anchored by a huge John Lewis store equivalent in size to three and a half football pitches.

The latest names to be announced include cosmetics firm MAC, jewellery retailer Neoglory and footwear stores Jones Bootmakers and Jeff Bains.

Joining them will be upmarket retailer of scented products, Jo Malone, which sells colognes, bath oils, soaps and candles.

Grand Central is due to open at 10am on September 24, four days after the redeveloped station.

Ashley Innis, Communications and Engagement Manager, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have these aspirational brands on board.

"They're a massive boost to Grand Central's premium, retail offering and complement the exciting mix of fashion, accessories, food and beverage brands that have already committed to the shopping centre."

The Jones the Bootmaker store in Birmingham's Bullring

In total Grand Central will host more than 60 outlets including shops and restaurants.

The ground floor will house beauty, menswear and accessories, while the first floor will boast womenswear and accessories and the customer collection point

The second floor is home, lighting and fabrics and the shoppers will be able to enjoy a bite to eat on the third floor in the restaurant, and browse the technology, childrenswear and nursery departments.

Other tenants at the Grand Central shopping emporium will include Foyles, The White Company, Hobbs, Joules, Kiehls, Cath Kidston and Mica Beauty.

Mr Innis, added: "As the second largest city in the UK, we're excited to be at the forefront of such a highly aesthetic design and build.

"Our destination really does have something for everyone and we can't wait to show it off. It has certainly been worth the wait and in combination with the magnificent New Street Station creates a great first impression of Birmingham."

The shopping complex is distinguished by three 'media eyes' spanning up to 98ft (30m) in length and 23ft (7m) in height which will display advertising above the station's three main entrances.

They will harness state-of-the-art technology to tailor adverts to whoever is in the vicinity at the time.

While the technology won't be able to identify individuals – as predicted in the 2002 science fiction movie Minority Report – it will pick up people's general characteristics.

Richard Brown, Development Director of Grand Central Birmingham, said: "With one month to go before opening, we are in a really strong position.

"There is a still a lot to do but as the retailers start to fit out their shops, we will really start to see everything being brought to life. It's a very exciting phase of the development."

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