THE first part of Basingstoke Town Centre as we know it today opened 50 years ago this week.

For the first time there was a link from the New Market Square to the new town centre

The only business to survive the whole 50 years and stay in the same unit is Lloyds bank. 

Thirteen years after the first phase opened, The centre was extended and The Malls opened in 1981.  Shops such as WHSmith and Boots moved from Potters Walk to new units at this time.

Here are a selection of adverts and pictures from the launch in 1968.