VIDEO: The centre of Bath is still closed to the public after yesterday's explosions at the £360m SouthGate shopping centre

Part of Bath city centre has been sealed off following a fire at a £360m shopping centre which was under construction.

Hundreds of building workers and members of the public were evacuated after the SouthGate development went up in flames at around 5pm yesterday.

Contractors on the scheme are Sir Robert McAlpine and HBG and the developers are Multi Development and Morley.

The cause of the blaze is still unknown but local fire services said several gas cylinders had exploded after the fire began.

Initial reports suggested a bitumen burner being used to lay tarmac on the roof may have been responsible for starting the blaze.

Witnesses reported hearing three explosions and watching flames shoot 50ft into the air.

Plans for the 417,000 ft² development include 56 shops, 93 apartments and eight leisure areas. Work on the scheme began last year and the first shops were expected to open in 2009.

The SouthGate fire as reported by the local media

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