“IT’S absolutely fantastic” – those were the words of K Village shopper Michelle Parkinson, one of the first to make a purchase at the new K Shoes store.

Mrs Parkinson, 36, of Sleagill, was one of the first people to visit the complex when it opened at 10am today and she was impressed with the £100 million complex.

After making a purchase at the K Shoes store, she said: “I really like the lay-out. It’s spacious, bright and modern, with a good selection of shops. It’s just what the area needs.”

The 80,000 square-foot complex, which is one of only two new centres in the country to be opened this year - was declared open by Kendal Town Crier Richard Mathews to the delight of owners, Kendal Riverside Ltd.

Chairman Shamus Jen-nings, said: “This event marks the culmination of more than six years of planning, design, consul-ting and building. It has involved thousands of people from engineers to brick layers and architects to archaeologists.

“It has benefited from the input and patience of our immediate neighbours and all the members of the public who took the time and interest to contribute to the evolution of this dynamic project.

“On behalf of the whole team at Kendal Riverside Ltd I would like to thank all of those people whose invaluable participation has enabled us to turn our vision into reality.”

The centre was thronging with people all day to the delight of traders who had concerns about how it would be received.

Neil Heywood, manager of Whittard of Chelsea, said: “I think things could really take off at the centre, in the same way that they have at Gretna Gateway outlet village. We’ve had 500 customers through the door and expect up to a 1,000 by the end of the day. If today is anything to go by, K Village has a bright future ahead of it.”

Gavin McGrory, area manager of Clarks shoes said: “We’ve had 3,000 people through the doors this morning but we’re expecting up to 10,000 by the end of the day. We had people queueing up at 10am to get through the doors.

“This is the largest store we’ve opened in the last ten years so we’re really pleased to have it in Kendal and bring that familiar K’s logo back to the town.”

As well as retail units, there is also 25,000 square feet of office space and 90 apartments – plus the K Shoes Heritage Centre which tells the story of K Shoes and its 160-year history in the town.

Also present at the opening was Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale.

“After two years it’s great for the whole of the South Lakes to see K Village open in what is a tough economic time for the country,” he said. “The complex offers visitors and locals in Kendal something new and the extra parking spaces are welcome.

“There is a worry among existing traders about the effect it will have on the town but time will tell.

“I hope people will take the chance to see everything Kendal has to offer.”

Tourist bosses and councillors hope that the development will bring in more business for the rest of Kendal and the surrounding areas, with an extra 4,000 coach trips a year to South Lakeland be-ing predicted.

Debbie McKee, manager of Kendal Tourist Information Centre, said: “People have been looking forward to the centre being open.

“We have had lots of enquiries over the last couple of months from potential visitors wanting to know when it was due to be opening."

What shoppers said

“It’s a very smart centre and I like it a lot. I shall definitely be visiting again.” - Richard Stearne, Natland.

“I like it, but I suffer from bad feet and there isn’t anywhere to sit.” - Mary Tindale, Barnard Castle.

“It’s got a range of shops different to the rest of town so it’s nice to have options.” - Briony North, Kendal.

“You can see there has been a lot of investment in the centre.” - Ashan Mohammed, Birmingham.

“I was in Kendal and saw all the commotion so I thought I’d come and have a look and it is very impressive”. - David Langland, Middlesbrough.

“I was surprised to see the centre open but I think it’s really nice and bright with a lot of good shops offering excellent value for money.” - Ken Ives, Essex.