A FRESH image is being created for Halton Lea shopping centre with a new management team and improved facilities.

A well known High Street retailer is expected to open soon, the World can exclusively reveal, paving the way for further exciting developments.

"We want to make it more of a retail experience," said newly appointed centre manager Kath Hardern, who succeeds Martyn Jones, who has retired after leading the centre for nine years.

Kath came to Halton Lea as facilities manager in 1999 and has been deputy manager for the past five years.

"We want to get more involved in the retail mix, listen to our customers and find out what they want, " she said. "We welcome feedback."

The name of the new tenant is being kept under wraps until contracts have been signed.

Game and Phones4you are among the latest businesses to move in.

Meadow Walk is now being refurbished and two new units are being built at Trident Retail Park.

And the toilets have won a coveted five star 'Loo of the Year' award.

"We feel we've got a lot to offer our retailers," said Kath. "Martyn took it a long way, improved the fabric and culture and cleaned it all up, removing the asbestos to make it a safe place.

"People might not have been here for 10 years. I just want to say: 'Come back, and have a look at it, see what you think.'"

l What new shops would you

like to see at Halton Lea?

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