Out of town shopping centres are part of our lives today but when Hempstead Valley opened in October 1978, it was the first out of town shopping centre in the south east.

The Gillingham centre marks its 40th birthday this week by celebrating its past, present and future achievements and with a visit from Mister Maker this weekend.

Modelled on complexes in America and Europe, Hempstead Valley was home to SavaCentre - a large hypermarket, now Sainsbury’s - and its innovative approach to retail.

VIDEO: Hempstead valley marks 40 years

It won the 1980 European Award from the International Council for Shopping Centres, recognising “outstanding and creative shopping centre accomplishments.”

The shopping experience attracted huge numbers of customers even from France who travelled on the Olau line for lunch and shopping at SavaCentre, combined with a tour to Canterbury.

The centre was built close to junction 4 of the M2. In 1979, centre director David Peek said “We offer a new dimension in shopping with convenient free parking, reasonable prices, plenty of natural daylight and the novelty atmosphere of a market”.

Other innovations included late opening hour, cut price petrol station and mums who for the first time were able to return to work while fitting in with school hours.

Su Button marketing manager manages the archives for the centre. She said: “When I was younger I enjoyed having Mr Wimpy birthday parties in the food court. I fondly remember the water features and fish pond. Our loyal staff take great pride in their work and the centre has a strong, positive reputation."

There will be displays of vintage fashion, toys and memorabilia. Until Monday, October 22 Medway Council’s archive team will be displaying archive photos alongside ones from the centre. Local schoolchildren will also be showcasing their ideas for the future. For managers, the future includes planning permission granted this year for an 80,000 sqft extension, to include five large new units and a decked car park.

Mister Maker, Phil Gallagher, the star of CBeebies' Mister Maker on Saturday, October 20 from 10am until 11am. The first 20 children to visit him will receive their very own Mister Maker book bag.

From noon the centre will host a retro gameshow fun and competitions with kmfm and Andy Walker and the Mayor and Mayoress of Medway will be cutting a giant birthday cake at 2pm.

The centre is donating to charity, with donations being equally divided between Great Ormond Street Hospital and Demelza Hospice Care for Children.