Dartford’s Bluewater shopping centre to celebrate 25th anniversary

Bluewater Shopping Centre first opened its doors on March 16, 1999, covering over 1.8 million square feet.

It now has 255 businesses along with 4km of natural green space for cyclists and walkers.

This Saturday (March 16) marks 25 years since the popular shopping centre first opened to the public, with a day of entertainment and events to mark the occasion.

On Saturday, visitors to Bluewater can expect to see entertainment between 10am and 5pm, with guest appearances from Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Immi Davis, Channel 5 Milkshake presenter David Ribi and Kent-based musicians Kings of Dhol with their South Asian drum performance.

The line-up will also include Britain's Got Talent: The Champions 2019 winners Twist & Pulse.

For the little ones, LEGO will also be hosting a range of activities at their Bluewater store to mark the festivities, located on the Upper Mall.

Visitors looking to explore Bluewater’s 25-year history can also explore the current photography exhibition focusing on Bluewater throughout the two and a half decades, hosted by Dartford Photography Club and located on the Lower Rose Gallery, which will be open until March 31.

The day's events will also be joined by 93 of Bluewater’s employees, from both the centre and its participating retailers, who have worked at the centre since its initial opening in 1999.

Bluewater covers over 1.8 million square feet. (Image: Umpf)

One such staff member is Amanda Harper, who began working in John Lewis in 1999 and has remained with the company ever since.

The now John Lewis’ Events & Marketing Co-ordinator said: “The buzz as we opened our doors for the first time was incredible.

“The queues of customers waiting to come in and look around Kent’s first John Lewis store was brilliant to see.”

The former Bluewater employee added that one of the best things from her time working at the busy centre was the “lifelong friends” she made over the time working there.

Sharon Gathercole, who started as a Bluewater receptionist and admin support in 1999 described Bluewater’s opening as “putting Northwest Kent on the map” and a “fantastic hub for local people.”

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “This is a landmark date in the history of Bluewater which has grown into one of the biggest and most-loved shopping and leisure destinations in Europe.

“It’s incredible to see that so many members of staff at our retailers and from the centre have remained here for 25 years – it shows real dedication and commitment to work in what is a true labour of love for many.

“We’ll be celebrating this Saturday with free entertainment for our guests and reflecting on a quarter-century of achievements, but we’re also looking forward to the next 25 years.

“What makes Bluewater special, and what keeps our guests returning week after week, is our commitment to innovate and look for new ways to engage with our guests.

“In the next few months alone, we will be hosting our first ever food festival, which will be one of the biggest in the region, while our incredible Ballerz football entertainment dome – the first of its kind in the world – will open to the public.

“It’s a genuinely exciting time for Bluewater – here’s to the next 25 years.”