A GROUND breaking ceremony has been held to celebrate work getting underway on the redevelopment of Partington shopping centre.

With preliminary ground works now complete, the event, held on March 7, saw Peel’s director of land and planning, Louise Morrissey, executive councillor for economic growth and prosperity, Michael Hyman, and the Mayor, Cllr Dylan Butt, break the first sods of ground to signify the beginning of the work.

December is the intended completion date for the shopping centre.

Louise Morrissey said: “This is a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the shopping centre for the people of Partington. We are delighted that the scheme is underway and residents will soon see their new centre come to life. Peel would like to thank the people of Partington for their ongoing support and input in to the redevelopment.

“Growing Places Fund assisted this project in coming forward and Trafford MBC helped bring it together.”

Cllr Hyman said: “It’s fantastic that the village shopping centre development is now underway, with good quality retailers taking units. Not only will this create employment in the area but it will also provide much needed and improved shopping facilities which local people can really benefit from. I look forward to its completion and use by the community.”

Completion of the scheme scheduled for December 2014.

CPUK are the construction company on the scheme.