Healthy outlook is in store for West Heath (From Warrington Guardian)

Healthy outlook is in store for West Heath

SHOPPING centre owners have expressed their delight at signing up a number of "high profile" retailers.

West Heath Shopping Centre in Congleton is undergoing a £6 million redevelopment, and is to be renamed West Heath Retail.

The redevelopment is aimed at transforming the image of the 1970s centre and attracting new businesses and shoppers.

The centre is owned by the Hollins Murray Group, which told the Congleton Guardian this week of two new businesses it has signed up.

Betfred is said to be the world's largest independent bookmaker, and has 500 licensed betting offices in the UK.

It is to open a new betting in the centre at West Heath in October, when redevelopment work is scheduled to be completed.

The centre is home to another new business, hairdressing salon VIVA.

Meanwhile the Happy Garden Chinese restaurant, which has been at the centre since the early 1990s, has undergone a major refurbishment.

The centre's owners have also received a boost from West Heath Houseware, which has decided to rent a permanent unit at the centre.

"The letting of new units to such high profile retailers as Betfred and VIVA shows we have the right formula to provide a much-improved retail experience for the people of Congleton and boost regeneration of the West Heath area," said Hollins Murray chief executive Andrew Murray.

"The combination of these new retailers with the existing brands of Somerfields and Martins demonstrates that the centre is being transformed into a destination which fulfils every shopper's needs," he added.

iross@guardiangrp.co.uk