BURSTING with energy and enthusiasm, the new manager of Halton Lea shopping centre has vowed to bring the 42-year-old complex into the 21st century.

Karl Clawley has unveiled plans to give the 1970s centre a new name, a new logo and a new image.

It will now be called Runcorn Shopping Centre, with a modern logo depicting the Silver Jubilee bridge.

Karl, aged 48, oversaw the rebranding of Manchester Arndale, where customers soared from 28 million to 40 million.

He is now determined to put Runcorn on the map. The 545,000 sq ft centre attracted 6.5m shoppers last year.

Karl, who lives in Liverpool, said: “We decided to change the name to promote the centre to retailers nationally and create a stronger identity.

“We have spent £4 million refurbishing our car parks. Now, we want to show everyone what’s in the box.

“We are coming back with vengeance. We want to make our competitors sit up and take notice.”

He said new retailers have been signed up but their names are being kept under wraps.

An action-packed programme of family entertainment is planned, starting with halloween events.

A giant pumpkin in the town centre is offering spooky fun workshops.

An X Factor contestant voted out in week six will be making a guest appearance. The centre is sponsoring this year’s Brindley panto.

Karl added: “We have 70 retailers here, 25 are local, independent businesses who have invested their sweat and tears for years, employ local people and pay local taxes.

“We are surrounded by 130,000 residents living on housing estates. We are a community driven shopping centre.

“I am really excited. Runcorn has the potential to become a great shopping destination for both the local community and surrounding towns.

“We want to make it a shopping centre fit for the 21st century.”

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