THE HUNT is on for the first manager of the £100 million Fremlin Walk shopping centre in Maidstone as construction nears its halfway stage.

The successful candidate will work with the site's development team as the countdown to opening gets underway.

The development, which includes 40 shops and parking for 800 cars, is due to open for business in March 2005.

The new centre manager will play a key role in its launch as well as its day-to-day management once the tills begin to ring in 14 months.

He or she will also be expected to forge close community links and generate ideas for extra income through leasing arrangements and promotions.

The centre will be run by management firm Land Securities once the developer Centros Miller hands over the site next year.