BUSINESS is booming at Golden Square and retail experts are predicting a ripple effect across the town.

Two million shoppers have passed through its doors since the new £120 million extension opened two months ago, generating around £15m in sales.

And with 400,000 of those coming from outside Warrington, a knock-on effect is anticipated for the local economy.

"It's fantastic that the new Golden Square is attracting people to Warrington for the first time," said marketing manager, Ian Cox.

"It's not only great news for Golden Square, but for the whole of Warrington town centre.

"The new extension has positioned Golden Square as a quality retail destination providing customers with the shops they want to visit - that 99 per cent would return speaks volumes."

In the first eight days of trading, stores in the centre raked in £2.1m.

And in June, one million visitors spent £7.5m - three times the spending levels at Golden Square during its redevelopment phase.

Bosses say the impressive footfall figures, measured by heat sensitive cameras at each entrance, were exceeding expectations' and have been aided significantly by their Give yourself a reason to go' marketing campaign.

And they believe visitor numbers on the opening weekend, which were three times that of a normal weekend and busier than Christmas, were boosted by a one pence fare promotion with Warrington Borough Transport.

Warrington Chamber of Commerce welcomed Golden Square's figures and the galvanising effect it was having but warned that more needed to be done elsewhere in the town.

"Clearly it has made a significant impact on the town centre," said chief executive Colin Daniels.

"The figures are very impressive, especially the number of out of town visitors. There is confidence flowing right through the town.

"The more people that spend money in Warrington rather than anywhere else is good for the town."

But he added: "Bridge Street is still a cause for concern - it is quality shops and restaurant we need.

"Missing out with the Time Square development was a blow - it would have given a balance and got people down there."