SHOPPERS are being given a sneak peek at how Stretford Mall will look after an exciting £2million redevelopment is completed in December.

An artist's impression reveals the extent of the redevelopment, with the entrance to the Mall completely transformed.

The first publicly released image 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.

The eye-catching design is the work of award winning Salford-based contractors Connell Brothers Ltd, who have been commissioned to carry out the redevelopment.

Mall bosses hope the redevelopment will create a more vibrant shopping environment and attract more retailers to the area.

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

Mr Wilkins 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.”

Extensive preparatory works are underway to ensure shoppers and retailers are kept safe during the development, with a seven metre high noise-reducing wall erected inside the shopping centre to keep shoppers and staff safe during the works.

Vacant units will be removed, including the former market hall which has been empty since traders were relocated last year.

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.

Stretford Mall’s owners Lunar Stretford SARL are also exploring the possibility of redeveloping the land where the former market hall currently stands, but no decisions have yet been made on what would take its place.

Mr Wilkins said: “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 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.

Mr Wilkins said: “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.”

The redevelopment is expected to be completed in December.