A plot of land situated between the High Street and the Esplanade was purchased in April 1964 for demolition as the new site of the shopping centre.

[5] Construction of the shopping centre was supposed to commence building work in Autumn 1967, but the project was delayed until the early 1970s.

[4] Work finally began on the first phase of The Mercat in 1971 – and buildings numbered from 94–112 in the High Street including the birthplace of Adam Smith, were demolished.

[8] The extension dubbed "Mercat II" was built, alongside a second multi-storey car park, by Michael Laird and Partners between 1981 and 1983.

The car park, despite only being two-storey, was known for presenting a deep roof, identical dormers and separated wrought-iron inserts on the wall.