THE long-awaited redevelopment of dilapidated Partington shopping centre could get underway within four to six months.

Developer Peel says the new centre, which will take eight months to build, could be open by mid to late 2014.

The new mall will be anchored by Tesco and Heron Frozen Food.

It will provide nine shops, located within an L-shaped retail facility.

Five of the remaining seven units are committed to a baker’s shop, a bookmaker, a national charity , a newsagent and a fish and chip shop, with two units still available.

The new centre will also provide over 7,000 sq. ft. of flexible first-floor space accessed by a lift, and the first occupier upstairs will be a hairdressers.

A new market square accommodating will be constructed, a 126-space car park will serve the shops and there will be an improved green space at the front of the scheme.

Louise Morrissey, director of land and planning at Peel, said: “We are delighted at long last to be able to announce the start of the programme for construction work for the new shopping centre.

“We are confident that this development, once built, will make an enormous difference to Partington and will result in the creation of a vibrant new community shopping centre with much improved amenities for the people of Partington.

“We have waited a long time to bring this scheme together, with market conditions preventing development until now. We have been able to bring this development forward at this time with the help of the Greater Manchester Growing Places Fund, which has provided us with a cash flow loan to facilitate the building of the shopping scheme in what remain difficult economic times.

“Tesco have shown a great commitment to Partington, enabling the whole scheme to proceed with a reliable household brand.

“This is a classic example of everyone working together to help make something happen. We would like to thank Trafford Council Members and Officers, all the Town Councillors for their continued help and support with these proposals. We would also like to thank the residents of Partington Village for their patience and understanding.”

Executive councillor Michael Hyman said. “This is fantastic news for Partington residents. This is another important step forward for Partington. “The council has worked with Peel for several years on this project and to see the regeneration and revival of the town centre moving forward, especially with the commitment from large retailers to spearhead the scheme, is encouraging for everyone involved.

“Having smaller retail units included will help maintain the pride and village feel that exists in Partington and provide local people with an important community asset once again. This investment will not only create once again a town centre local residents can benefit from and be proud of, but will also provide jobs, business and wider investment opportunities to the area.”

Mike Blackburn, chairman of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Greater Manchester Investment Fund supports projects that drive economic growth and jobs. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority was impressed with the development proposal from Peel for a new neighbourhood centre and has invested Growing places funding from GMIF. The development will also support longer term the wider regeneration of the area.”

The new centre is a major part of the wider vision for the continued improvement of Partington Village, which includes the delivery of 550 new family homes at Lock Lane and Hall Lane on the canal water front and the provision of a ‘green loop’, providing a four mile recreation route circling the village.