The next phase of a major makeover for Broughton Shopping Park has been launched.
The massive re-development, revealed last year, will give the park and its 29 shops a fresh new look.
It comes at a time of expansion which saw 300 new jobs created in 2015, with the opening of a new IMAX cinema, five restaurants and a M&S foodstore.
There will be more than 130 extra jobs this spring when Primark opens its new store.
Colin Gilligan, centre manager at Broughton Shopping Park, said: “The park has undergone an incredible change over the last year and we’re now attracting visitors from far and wide across the region.
“We have lots of exciting developments planned for 2016, including new Primark and Outfit stores, as well as ongoing work to upgrade our facilities and improve shopper experience.
In pictures: The opening of Marks & Spencer in Broughton
“Today, Broughton Shopping Park launched a new phase of developments that will see the shopping environment dramatically enhanced for its ten million annual visitors.
“Customer facilities will be improved, and there will be an ongoing refurbishment of store frontages throughout 2016, including new canopies and double height glazing.
“The refurbishment also includes improved pedestrian linkages and the creation of wider customer walkways.”
Colin added that the investment in 2015 was already paying off with increased visitors.
The park had seen a 34% increase in footfall during Valentine’s weekend compared to last year following the addition of the multi-million-pound leisure and dining development.
This saw restaurant brands like Nando’s, Chiquito, Prezzo, Pizza Express and Frankie & Benny’s added to the offer.
Footfall increase
Colin added: “We had a fantastic Valentine’s weekend at Broughton, with footfall increasing by more than a third this year.
“This is likely due to the extensive investment in our leisure and dining experience, which has provided a welcome boost to Broughton’s economy, particularly during special occasions such as Valentine’s Day.”
As well as Primark opening there are further developments planned next to the retail park.
The go-ahead was given in January last year to plans on land next to the shopping park for a hotel, pub restaurant and fast food outlets.
That project by Development Securities is tipped to create around 250 jobs.
Broughton Shopping Park was built in the 1990s and has gradually developed into a major shopping and leisure destination.
