The gross floor area of the building is 36,650 sq.m. The building will accommodate about 40 shops, a multi-storey car park and services such as a bank and post office. On the first floor, there will be a bright and spacious cafeteria, where a glass roof and decorative greenery will make it more than just a place to enjoy a good meal. The sound of running water, local stone and genuine wood will be important elements in the new building.

"This is a proof of quality and an indication that natural materials will be used to create that special atmosphere," says centre manager to be, Mr. Tommy Høyland.

"We are looking forward to getting started on this project. We have already been working on the design and plans for more than a year. Work has started on the building site, and the first concrete elements will be cast in our factory just before Easter," says Mr. Eyvin M. Olsen, Managing Director of Block Berge Bygg AS. "This project gives a good boost to our order situation on the long term," he adds.

The project has a total budget of approximately NOK 190 million. The estimated construction time is 17 months and the plan is to have the centre ready for use in September 2004.

The architect who designed Jærhagen Shopping Centre is Mr. Svein Tellefesen of Signatur Arkitekter AS.

For further information, please contact:

Managing director Eyvin M. Olsen, Block Berge Bygg AS,

phone + 47 51 78 99 00.