This special Focus on shopping centre development discusses the current state of the market, including problems of oversupply and argues that a more positive approach to funding centres must be adopted in the UK to attract USA retail investment . Stress the importance of shoppers needs for future shopping centre design and looks at British Airways new travel centre in London and the final phase of the Merry Hill Centre in Dudley . Examines marketing techniques and describes how design problems in the Metro Centre, Gateshead were resolved. Reports on the growing interest in themed shopping and how developers are incorporating more leisure facilities in shopping centres. Lovell Developments discusses its move into shopping centre development and the role of the project manager is described. Finally, considers the impact of demographic change s, urban congestion and growing environment al concern on future retail design and the expansion of British retailers into Europe .