At FAN Mallorca Shopping today. Hard hats will not be required when the complex opens on Thursday. | Pere Bota

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On Thursday morning, the doors will open to the public at one of the newest and largest retail and entertainment complexes in Europe. After much anticipation, the FAN Mallorca Shopping will be opening for business on the Carrefour site near Palma airport.

The media were today treated to a first look at the completed complex and tomorrow evening a gala reception is being held on the eve of the grand opening.

From the latest Hollywood movies in English to top retail brands and eateries, the FAN retail park is going to offer something for people of all ages and nationalities. The cinema complex is going to be equipped with the very latest 4D technology.

Dolores Bañon, the director of promotion and development for Carrefour Property España, was on hand today to show the media around the park, which has a host of flagship stores ranging from Primark to Media Markt, Cortefiel, Pedro del Hierro, Women’secret, Decathlon, H&M, Mango, C&A and a number of Majorcan clothing designers and footwear manufacturers.

With a total investment of around 190 million euros, the venture has created 1,500 direct jobs, while 2,400 people were involved in the construction of the centre.

It is aimed at both the domestic market and visiting tourists, and Bañon believes that it will also help Majorca attract more low-season visitors because so-called shopping tourism is continuing to grow.

"The Balearics will never have seen so many top brands under the same roof," she said.

FAN is also exceptionally proud that they have managed to attract Primark to the island after taking the mainland by storm. In some ways the centre is offering a shopping revolution, and it is anticipating some 12 million visits per annum. There will be parking for 2,500 visitors.