THE first image has been revealed showing how Stretford Mall will look following an exciting £2m redevelopment, to create a more vibrant shopping environment and attract more retailers to the area.

The artist’s impression shows a huge glass window which will form the centrepiece of a new entrance looking out onto Chester Road, surrounded by a modern brickwork and metal cladding frontage.

Award winning local Salford-based contractors Connell Brothers Ltd have been commissioned to carry out the work, and extensive preparatory works are underway to ensure shoppers and retailers are kept safe during the development.

Bosses at Stretford Mall revealed a staggering 95% of materials generated by the work, will be re-used or recycled in a bid to minimise any impact on the environment.

The refurbishment will consolidate the retail space inside the Mall to create a brighter, more modern and attractive atmosphere for shoppers and businesses.

A huge 7-metre high noise-reducing wall has been erected inside the shopping centre to keep shoppers and staff safe during the works, expected to be completed in December 2018.

Vacant units will be removed, including the former market hall which has been empty since traders were relocated – mainly to larger units inside the main Mall, last year.

Stretford Mall’s owners Lunar Stretford SARL are exploring potential opportunities to redevelop the land where the former market hall currently stands, but no decisions have yet been made.

The new entrance will provide direct and inclusive access to the main square at the centre of the Mall via a pedestrian walkway from Chester Road. There will also be a space for community artwork to be displayed along with a living green wall which will act as a screen to surround the service yard.

Gareth Wilkins, centre manager at Stretford Mall thanked shoppers and tenants for their patience during the works. He said: “We are delighted that work is now underway on this exciting £2m redevelopment at Stretford Mall.

“This is a step towards creating a more vibrant retail atmosphere for the town and represents a significant investment in the area by Stretford Mall’s owners Lunar Stretford SARL.

“The redevelopment will consolidate the trading area at Stretford Mall by removing excess retail space, creating a more attractive environment for both shoppers and potential future tenants.

“We will soon begin demolition of the former indoor market hall and building of a bright and modern new entrance on Chester Road.

“It’s a very exciting time for Stretford Mall and for our tenants who have demonstrated confidence in the scheme by renewing their leases and helping to secure local employment.”

The redevelopment is aimed at increasing retailer confidence by allowing void areas to be removed and consolidating retailers into a more vibrant main mall area, said Mr Wilkins.

He said: “The redevelopment will remove excess retail space and significantly reduce the vacancy rate to enable a massive improvement in vitality.

“It will enable us to further explore opportunities more akin to the demands of retailers and the local community.”

He added: “Stretford Mall’s owners Lunar Stretford SARL are exploring potential opportunities to redevelop the land where the former market hall currently stands.

“Conversations continue with third parties about the future of the land. We will announce in due course our intentions for the land to be released in the demolition process.”

The market hall occupied 49,000 square feet at the 12-acre site.

Mr Wilkins said: “We’re delighted to have been able to relocate the majority of our former market traders who have taken up leases at more prominent units within the centre, including Fleximinder, Kingfisher fish and chips, Reel Around the Fountain records, Sofi’s, Gola Gifts, Hollywood Nails and Trafford Shopmobility.

“Our local independent retailers are a much loved and vitally important part of our retail offer here in Stretford.

“We are very pleased about the confidence our existing tenants have in the scheme which they have demonstrated by renewing their leases, and the associated employment this secures.”

“This a positive step forward. It will continue the good work we have made in the last few years to bring in new tenants including Costa Coffee, JD Sports, Aldi, and Pure Gym, We’ve also already increased the size of other stores including ShoeZone, Heron, and Utopia.”

To find out more about Stretford Mall visit www.stretfordmall.co.uk of find the shopping centre on Twitter or Facebook.