show signs of recovering from the recession. The first part of the renovations have been completed ahead of schedule and have taken five months and affect 30,000 square feet of space. The Galleries recently changed hands and the new owners immediately restored the original name of the shopping centre. New escalators and more visible branding both inside and outside the centre was also introduced. Work has now started on the former food court's 15,000 square feet of top floor space which is being altered to accommodate a new anchor tenant, 99p Stores. The new store is due to open in mid November in time for the busy Christmas rush David Henderson-Williams, partner of the Hark Group which helps to run the centre, said: "We are extremely pleased to have reached a key point in this phased programme of investment which is revitalising the centre and enhancing the shopping experience for both customers and retailers. "Since The Galleries first launched in 1991, the retail environment has changed considerably and we are confident the relocation of the Food Court coupled with other material improvements planned for 2013 will reinforce its role as the dominant mid-market shopping centre in Bristol." Colin Lang added: "Bringing the food court in ahead of schedule is testament to the hard work of the team involved. We are excited about the impact this new facility will have on the overall visitor and shopper experience which with increased dwell time is likely to improve footfall and retailer performance." The