SALE'S Six Acre Shopping Centre is in line for a £5 million makeover.

The refurbishment and extension scheme for the centre - which will be renamed The Square - will see the creation of new, larger units, redesigned entrances and upgraded public spaces.

Disruption will be minimised by phasing in the proposed works over a 24 month period.

It is the latest major investment boost for Sale - a new Marks and Spencer store opened this month, while the council is pressing ahead with regeneration plans for the town hall area.

Cllr David Acton, the leader of Trafford Council, says of the refurbishment of The Square: "This is wonderful news and shows Sale is beginning to boom along with our other town centres.

"The council has played an important role in the regeneration of Sale. It has given every encouragement through its own development to ensure there is a confidence in the the town centre."

Warner Estate, the owner of the 28 year-old centre, intends to create 4,800 square metres of new retail and leisure space along with a redesigned main entrance. Richard Moore, property director at Warner Estate, says: "Our intention is to expand and modernise the square and firmly cement its place at the retail heart of Sale. The extension and enhancement will enable the centre to attract new retailers and improve the retail offer to the town by meeting the space needs of retailers we know have an interest in acquiring units.

"Sale is already a successful retail destination with a strong convenience shopping draw. Improvements to The Square will increase customer attraction and push the town further upwards in the retail hierarchy."

Work could start in November if planning permission is granted. The first phase of the scheme will involve demolishing vacant shops on the corner of School Road and The Mall and replacing them with new units. The outdated entrance on School Road will be replaced with a glass and steel entrance.

Phase two work involves combining and extending units in the eastern end of the centre's open air plaza to create larger units for two shops and a leisure operator.

Access from the 400 space multi-storey car park will be improved with the creation of a new lift and stairwell direct from Town Square. There will also be improvements to the canopy and lighting. Town Square will be refurbished with new paved areas and there will be a new steel and glass feature at the centre of the plaza.

Diane Smith, centre manager for The Square, says: "Our aim is to revitalise The Square, giving retailers and shoppers yet further reasons to come to town."