A major UK shopping centre has commenced construction on a popular attraction, with boarding and scaffolding now surrounding the iconic structure. The Trafford Centre in Manchester is giving the area beneath its central dome a summer makeover, as shoppers have noticed wooden walls encircling the feature.
Escalators Closed for Refurbishment
The escalators at the heart of the shopping centre are now surrounded by hoardings and closed until further notice. Images shared by the Manchester Evening News reveal that construction work is underway. This area is typically one of the most photographed spots in the centre, with visitors delighted by its Greco-Roman-style architecture.
Shopper Guidance and Relocation
Signs on the hoardings direct shoppers needing to 'go up' to use other lifts and escalators at The Orient while work continues. Lola's Cupcakes, previously located beneath the escalators, has been relocated to the main mall during the construction period.
Official Statement from Trafford Centre
A Trafford Centre spokesperson confirmed that the works are scheduled outside school holidays to minimise disruption, although no completion timeline has been given. The statement read: 'These new units are part of a programme to replace and refurbish 9 escalators and 13 lifts this year. As part of our drive to reduce carbon emissions and drive down energy consumption, the new units are eco-efficient and achieve high energy ratings by utilising smart inverters, regenerative drives and standby speed operators - all of these features reduce energy consumption by an impressive 40%.
'We can't wait to reveal the new units soon and our team are working hard to invest in key pieces of our centre's infrastructure for the future. We thank our visitors for their patience and promise it'll be worth the wait.'
Key Features of New Escalators
- Automatic slowdown or stop function when no passengers are detected, saving up to 40% in energy compared to continuous operation.
- LED lighting on steps and skirting, which is up to 80% more efficient than traditional fluorescent lights.
The spokesperson added: 'Our friendly Guest Services team are on hand to direct guests to nearby lifts and stairs. Doing all three units at once, outside of the summer holidays, means that we can reduce the disruption and get the new escalators operational in less time.'
