CENTREPIECE of Canterbury's shopping revolution - the new Fenwick department store - is fast taking shape. Work on the Whitefriars redevelopment has an army of construction engineers swarming over the site day and night.

And the multi-million pound store is due to open on schedule in just over 12 months. Every day 40 tons of steel has been arriving in the city for Skanska to create the superstructure of the building.

But tenders are now out for the main contractor for the development, expected to start in April. Among those being invited to bid are several local companies.

A spokesman for developer Land Securities said: "Things are progressing very well and we are on target for the store to open next February. After that, work will start on the demolition of the old Ricemans building which will be followed by an architectural dig. That area will then be developed with new shops and a library and is scheduled for completion in 2005."

One of the contractor's first tasks will be the construction of the basement service areas and retail units to the rear of Marks and Spencer.

The Fenwick store will be air-conditioned and have five shopping floors reached via central escalators. At ground level there will also be a coffee shop with outdoor seating. A restaurant on the second floor will offer views across the city.