# Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre is a large indoor shopping centre and entertainment complex in Dumplington, Greater Manchester, England. It opened in 1998 and is third largest in the United Kingdom by retail space.
Originally developed by the Peel Group, the Trafford Centre was sold to Capital Shopping Centres, later to become Intu, in 2011 for £1.65 billion; it set a record as the costliest single property sale in British history.
The battle to obtain permission to build the centre was amongst the longest and most expensive in United Kingdom planning history. As of 2011, the Trafford Centre had Europe's largest food court and the UK's busiest cinema.

## History
### Genesis

The site was owned by the Manchester Ship Canal Company which John Whittaker's Peel Holdings had been acquiring shares in since 1971. Manchester City Council also had a stake, but by the mid 1980s Whittaker had a majority control and proposed building an out-of-town shopping centre, and other schemes. The greenfield site was the only undeveloped part of Trafford Park and remained in agricultural use up until 1990.
Manchester City Council faced a conflict of interest as both a local planning authority and shareholder. Its minority shareholding also no longer gave it any real control over the company. Accordingly, in 1986 it surrendered the right to appoint all but one of the Manchester Ship Canal's directors, and sold its shares to Whittaker for £10 million.
Manchester City Council opposed Whittaker's proposal for retail development, stating it would impact negatively on the city centre economy, but accepted it was "obviously in the interests of the shareholders".
The Peel Group submitted a planning application to Trafford Council for development of approximately 300 acres (120 ha) of land in 1986. The application was called in by the Secretary of State for the Environment and legal disputes ensued requiring two public inquiries before planning permission was granted. Objections included congestion fears on the M60 motorway, and adverse consequences for retailers across Greater Manchester. Planning permission was granted in 1993 before being blocked by the Court of Appeal, then reinstated in 1995 by the House of Lords.
After the House of Lords decision to approve the scheme in May 1995, the architects commenced work on designing the final version of the centre. Within months Bovis Construction were appointed as lead contractor and work began on site in May 1996 with first of almost 6,000 foundation piles installed. The first column of the steel frame was erected in August 1996. By December 1996 the skeleton of the main dome was visible on the Trafford skyline. The dome was completed in April 1997 when the lantern at the pinnacle was installed. Work on the mechanical & electrical services and the interior finishes was well advanced before the steel frame was completed in late 1997. By then around 50% of the facade was complete, the roof glazing was almost complete and the two largest department stores had been handed over to Selfridges and Debenhams for fit out. Work had also begun on the decked car parks. By the summer of 1998 construction had reached it's peak with 1,500 workers on site fitting out the retail units on top of the 1,500 working on other parts of the building. After 27 months of construction Peel had spent £600 million.
Twelve years after being proposed, the Trafford Centre opened on 10 September 1998.
An extension to the centre known as The Great Hall opened in March 2007 expanding the centres dining options. A year later in March 2008 a new wing known as Barton Square was opened. This new extension was initially positioned as a destination for retailers specialising in homeware and furniture.

### Intu

Peel Group sold the centre to Capital Shopping Centres (CSC) in January 2011 for £1.6 billion, in cash and shares, and John Whittaker, chairman of Peel Group, became deputy chairman of CSC. He later claimed he could have sold the centre for over £2 billion if he had been prepared to accept just cash. Nevertheless the £1.6 billion deal remained the largest property transaction in British history, and the biggest European property deal of 2011.
Capital Shopping Centres was renamed Intu in 2013 and spent £7 million rebranding the "Intu Trafford Centre".
As of 2017, Intu claimed a fair market value of £2.312 billion for the centre. However, the firm entered administration in June 2020 and the centre was placed into receivership by its creditors in November 2020. In 2020, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, who had loaned Intu £250 million in 2017, exercised their rights as creditors to take ownership of the complex excluding Trafford Palazzo.

### Post Intu

Trafford Palazzo was acquired by Peel Land and Property in May 2021 for an undisclosed sum although the asking price was in excess of £50 million. In November 2021 Peel Land and Property re-branded the centre to Trafford Palazzo abandoning the previous name of Barton Square.
Barton Square had been legally separated from The Trafford centre the previous year during Intu's collapse.
Trafford Palazzo and The Trafford Centre now operate as separate shopping centres despite being physically linked.

## Building

The three storey building consists of several distinct areas radiating from the central dome. Regent Crescent and Peel Avenue are the two shopping malls which are both anchored by department stores (Marks and Spencer and John Lewis respectively) at the far ends. The Dome is home to the first Selfridges outside of London. The 20-screen Odeon Cinema and other leisure facilities are also situated in the Dome area on the second floor accessed via The Orient.
The Orient is the leisure and dining area spread over 2 floors containing the largest food court in Europe and many other restaurants, cafes and leisure facilities. This area was extended in 2007 with the addition of The Great Hall.
The building originally contained a market style hall at the end of Peel Avenue known as Festival Village. This 35,000sqft space was home to around 50 smaller stores dedicated to more specialist retailers and also contained dining, creche and children's entertainment facilities. This area was closed in late 2003 for conversion into the John Lewis department store which opened in May 2005.
John Whittaker chose a lavish unorthodox neo-classical inspired style seeking to avoid the centre rapidly appearing dated and stale, a problem many shopping centres were susceptible to. Although the extravagant Rococo and Baroque design may be viewed as gaudy, he argued the prospect of the shopping centre rapidly ageing was mitigated and long-term less renovation work would be required.
   When we first started the architects said, "you shouldn’t be doing all this and giving it all the razzmatazz and showbiz, leave that to the retailers. Make it plain, make it clinical, make it white and hospitalised and let them do the work". So then we put in the paintings, we put in the real gold leaf, we put artefacts everywhere, paintings. It is the people’s palace. It is something to attract shoppers ... to give them the Dallas effect.
The design was a collaboration between the architectural practices of Chapman Taylor and Manchester-based Leach Rhodes Walker. Chapman Taylor developed the conceptual design and general look and feel while Leach Rhodes Walker were responsible for the detailed technical design and coordination. The Main contractor was Bovis, with structural and mechanical & electrical engineering services provided by WSP Group. Due to the projects scale and complexity the architects produced over 3,000 drawings and specifications and 24 architects were required to work on the project full time during the construction process.
The design team also had to battle with the design constantly changing once construction work had started due to the evolving needs of the retailers and the wavering whims of Peel. John Whittaker took an enormous personal interest in the construction of the project and used to tour the building site at night to inspect the quality of the work.
The building was designed with adaptability in mind with most of the retail units being able to accommodate a mezzanine floor. An additional floor at second floor level can also be accommodated above the three major department store units if the need arises. The centre was designed to ensure that visitors entered both of the main floors in equal numbers and has a design life of 150 years.
Externally the building is post modernin architectural style and is clad in brick and reconstituted stone. The facades contain elements of Egyptian Revival and Art Deco architecture as well as Neoclassical.
The two shopping malls are covered by glazed vaulted roofs with cupolas at various points. The building is crowned by the 55 metre high and 23 metre wide main dome which the developers claim is larger than that of St Paul's Cathedral.
* A window surrounded by pilasters and a cornice and ornate parapet
* A view of the one of the entrances to John Lewis. The parapet contains Egyptian Revival elements.
* The Place prior it's redevelopment as The Great Hall. The crest features the Griffins of the de Trafford Baronets

### Decor

The interior of The Trafford Centre is decorated with an eclectic selection of classically inspired elements. It is finished primarily in shades of white, pink and gold with ivory, jade and caramel coloured marble throughout.
As of 1996 there were 45,000 square metres (480,000 sq ft) or £5.8 million of Tuscan marble and granite flooring from Montignoso and Quarrata, and gold leaf adorns the building's columns. The marble floors and brass handrails are polished nightly to maintain the centre's opulence.
The Trafford Centre has decorative features such as red roses of Lancaster which pay homage to the local area and North West England.
Elsewhere, preserved palm trees and neo-classical decorative pillars made of painted, medium-density fibreboard have received criticism. Manchester architecture critic John Parkinson-Bailey described the Trafford Centre as a building which "will not appeal to purists" and the range of interior architecture as "bewildering".
A Mercedes 380SL car formerly belonging to John Whittaker's mother was initially displayed on the first floor mall outside F. Hinds and was moved to Trafford Palazzo after it's acquisition by Peel.
A prominent feature of the centre is it's planting which takes the form of living and preserved trees as well other smaller shrubs which are grown in large planters. Upon opening the centre was home to 40 living trees and 65 preserved palm trees up to 15 metres high. The living trees are mainly a species of ficus and were imported from Florida in the United States and spent some time in a nursery in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to acclimatise to the cooler European climate before being installed in the building. The preserved palms were grown in California, USA

### Murals

The centre is decorated with hundreds of murals and Trompe-l'œil adorning it's walls and vaulted ceilings. These depict many different themes ranging from classical allegory to historical depictions of The Manchester Ship Canal and other prominent local landmarks.
Portraits lining the walls of Regent Crescent depict members of the design and construction team as well as members of the Whittaker family.
* A mural depicting the allegorical figure of Architecture
* A mural depicting the allegorical figure of Agriculture
* A mural depicting the allegorical figure of Epic Poetry
* A mural depicting the allegorical figure of Comedy

### Sculpture

A notable feature of the centre, and particularly Trafford Palazzo, is the statuary and other sculpture. There are over 100 figures, mainly in a classical Greek or Roman style.
Kent based sculptor Guy Portelli was commissioned to create the 22 classical maidens adorning the colonnade at the front of The Orient. Dancing maidens bear oak branches as reminder of Trafford Park's history as a "beautifully timbered deer park" and reclining figures blow golden trumpets to herald in a new era.
Altrincham sculptor Colin Spofforth created bronze figures of a real life jazz band for the New Orleans theme.
In 1999 a statue of Arthur Brooke, the founder of the Brooke Bond tea company which has had a factory nearby in Trafford Park since 1923, was installed in the centre and can be found in The Orient. The statue was sculpted by Anthony Stones and was donated by the Brooke Bond tea company.
As part of the Great Hall redevelopment in 2007, Spofforth was again commissioned to create a crest which forms part of a new portico at the main entrance. This piece assembles a griffin, unicorn and Roman centurion, once more referencing the arms of the de Trafford family. The centurion holds two lightning bolts, a reminder of Barton Power Station which was situated close by.
* Classical Maidens - Guy Portelli (1998)
* Spirit of New Orleans (1998) bronze
* Trafford Centre Crest (2007)
* The Lady with the Lamp in The Great Hall
* Greek and Art Nouveau style figures in the link to Trafford Palazzo
* Lion sculptures in Trafford Palazzo
* Roman style sculpture in Trafford Palazzo

### Fountains

Another popular decorative element of the centre are it's fountains. Seven fountains originally entertained visitors throughout the centre and many of the original fountains remain in place as of 2025. Over the years some have been replaced or removed.
The fountains instantly became a popular site for visitors to make a wish by tossing a coin into the water. The Trafford Centre periodically removes the coins from the fountains, cleans them and donates the money to local charities via its own Fountain Fund scheme. As of 2024 over £1.2 million has been donated since 1998.

### The Orient

The Orient is Europe's largest food court with 1,600 seats and 35 restaurant outlets. It is decorated in the style of a 1930's ocean liner, incorporating adjacent themed areas depicting China, New Orleans, Egypt, Italy, New York and Morocco representing the destinations of an ocean voyage.
The theme was chosen to reference the nearby Manchester Ship Canal and Manchester Docks where passenger and cargo ships used to set sail to all parts of the globe.
The two floors incorporate restaurants, bars and fast food outlets in sight of a giant screen.
In February 2025 the China Town section of The Orient was redeveloped into a new mini food court known as Eastern Garden. This area now houses several independent outlets serving Asian cuisine. As part of the works a new more contemporary design has been introduced inspired by Japanese architecture. Most of the original Chinese themeing has been removed.

### Great Hall

An extension to The Orient known as The Great Hall opened in March 2007 replacing an outdoor piazza known as The Place, its glazed structure houses five restaurants and cafes. Construction took 18 months at a cost of £26 million and incorporates a sweeping staircase with marble balustrades. The centre claims its Great Hall has the largest chandelier in the world at 11 metres (36 ft) wide and 15 metres (49 ft) high. The feature incorporates three internal maintenance walkways and weighs five ton.

### Trafford Palazzo (formerly Barton Square)

The 19,000 square metres (200,000 sq ft), Trafford Palazzo opened as Barton Square in March 2008 at a cost of £90 million. The former name referenced the name of the street the centre is situated on, Barton Dock Road which refers to nearby Barton-upon-Irwell.
Trafford Palazzo is linked to the main Trafford Centre by a glazed footbridge and was originally an open air centre designed to resemble an Italian Renaissance piazza. It's notable architectural features include a central fountain and 67 metre high campanile tower.
The centre was originally intended to house retailers specialising in homeware, furniture and other 'bulky goods'.
A £75 million 110,000 sq ft major redevelopment for the centre commenced in mid 2018, which included adding a first floor and a glazed roof.
As the centre had to remain open during the refurbishment much of the work had to be carried out at night. Special measures needed to be taken by the contractors to limit noise and vibrations to avoid disturbing sea creatures housed at the on site Sealife Centre. The redevelopment work was completed in March 2020.
The new decoration scheme follows a similar classical theme to the original Trafford Centre complete with marble and granite flooring, trompe l'oeil and preserved palm trees. As a tribute to the 22 people who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the roman themed murals adorning the revamped centre feature 22 bees.
Post redevelopment the positioning of the centre has shifted from home stores to one focussed on retail and leisure. The centre has attracted major retailers such as Primark who opened in June 2020, and Sports Direct.
Barton Square was spun off as a separate entity to The Trafford Centre during the collapse of Intu in 2020. It was then put up for sale as part of the administration process with an asking price in excess of £50 million. In May 2021 Peel Land and Property, it's original developers announced they had re-acquired the centre for an undisclosed sum. Peel subsequently re branded the centre to Trafford Palazzo in November 2021 celebrating the occasion with a weekend of live events.
Trafford Palazzo and The Trafford Centre now operate as rival centres despite being physically linked.
* Entrance to Trafford Palazzo
* Barton Square in 2009 before the new level & roof was added
* The glazed bridge linking Trafford Palazzo to The Trafford Centre
* Trafford Palazzo dome
* Barton Square in 2021 after the new level & roof was added
* Domed roof in 2021 after the addition of the first floor
* The Trafford Palazzo campanile tower and link bridge to The Trafford Centre

### Leisure

Leisure facilities include a 20-screen Odeon cinema; Laser Quest arena; an adventure golf course which are located on the Second Floor around the central dome. A Namco amusement arcade with dodgems and bowling is located in The Orient and a Sea Life Centre aquarium can be found in Trafford Palazzo.
Between 2002 and 2004, the area occupied by Paradise Island Adventure Golf was originally home to an interactive children's ride called Dreamieland, dubbed "Britain's first shopping centre-based theme ride". It closed after only two years due to poor attendance, before Paradise Island took its place in 2008.

### Other Facilities

The centre opened with a hotel on site known as The Coach House, which was operated by Premier Inn and contained a Brewers Fayre pub restaurant. The restaurant was converted to Brewsters in 2000, bringing about more children's entertainment, before returning to the more successful Brewers Fayre brand around summer 2005. The classically inspired building was located in a wooded area known as Wilderspool Wood, some distance from the main building.
In September 2024 a planning application was submitted to Trafford Council asking for permission to demolish the building. The application stated that the hotel had been closed since June 2023, and that the building was attracting antisocial behaviour.

## Transport

As of 2011, 10 percent of the UK population lived within a 45-minute drive of the Trafford Centre.

### Buses

There is a bus station at the west end of the Trafford Centre, with services to most towns in Greater Manchester.

### Road

The Trafford Centre has 12,500 car spaces and 350 coach spaces; it is sited off the M60, at junctions 9 and 10. Its popularity has resulted in traffic congestion on the M60's Barton High-Level Bridge, requiring a link road adjacent to the M60 crossing the ship canal on a new lift bridge.
All vehicles entering the centre have number plate details recorded via automatic number plate recognition. Since its introduction in 2003 at a cost of £220,000, the system has reduced the number of thefts of and from vehicles to a level described as "negligible". The ANPR tracks cars which have been used for serious offences and details of any car with such a number plate can then be passed to Stretford Police station.
In November 2024 premium car parking was introduced allowing customers access to larger parking spaces close to the entrance for an hourly fee. Valet services can be purchased on top of the standard ticket price. Premium parking is located on the upper level of the Peel Avenue car park.
The centre has facilities for electric vehicle charging within it's car parks.

### Trams

The centre is served by two stops on the Trafford Park Line of the Manchester Metrolink network. The terminus, The Trafford Centre tram stop, serves the west of the centre, while the Barton Dock Road tram stop serves the east of the centre and Trafford Palazzo.
Construction of the Manchester Metrolink's Trafford Park tram line began in January 2017. Test trams began in November 2019, and the line opened from Pomona tram stop to intu Trafford Centre on 22 March 2020. intu Trafford Centre tram stop had to be renamed to The Trafford Centre in late 2020 after intu ceased ownership.
From 1998 to 2020, a shuttle bus had connected Stretford tram stop and the Trafford Centre.

## In popular culture

* Feature of The Mall, a Granada TV documentary charting the centres construction
* The setting for Shopping City on BBC Two.
* Between 2004 and 2009, the Queen hit single "Don't Stop Me Now" was used as the main jingle in TV adverts for the Trafford Centre.
* Featured in 2008 BBC documentary series, Britain From Above, highlighted a transition from industry to services.
* The Orient food court was used as a location in the 2008 post-apocalyptic drama Survivors.
* Focal point of BBC's 2010 The Apprentice week 5 when contestants sold clothes.
* The Lancashire Hotpots song Trafford Centre is about Christmas shopping at the centre.