The Bullring market has been an important feature of Birmingham since the Middle Ages. Initially a cattle and food market, it developed into the main retail market area for Birmingham as the town grew into a modern industrial city. The old Bullring Centre was demolished in 2000, and has been replaced by a new design, a futuristic retail centre clad in 15,000 shiny aluminium discs. In the new Bullring's first year in service, it recorded 36.5 million visitors, making it the most visited shopping centre outside the West End of London.