The Trafford Centre might look like some decadent Roman emperor’s palace or as if it was plucked from the heart of Ancient Grecian city, but as anyone old enough to remember it’s opening and/or construction will tell you, it seems strange to think its not even been around for three decades yet.
As Greater Manchester’s and one of the North West’s most famous shopping centres full stop, the iconic attraction first began being built back in 1996, when John Major was Prime Minister, Manchester United were still Premier League champions, Britpop was at its peak and George Michael was number one.
It’s fair to say that a lot has changed since then and although Oasis might be back come 2025, The Trafford Centre and surrounding area are pretty unrecgonisable compared to nearly 30 years ago.
All told, it took approximately 27 months to erect the neo-classical epicentre of all things shopping, leisure, food and fanciness – and here’s what the process looked like:
With the initial 14 million sq ft shopping centre being completed in September 1998 following approximately 810 days of work, The Trafford Centre debuted to the Manc public and beyond.
It took more than 3,000 builders to bring the 60 hectare site to life at the peak of construction and since then the plot has only grown bigger, bolder and more ambitious over time.
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Present day, it has everything from cinema screens and a mini Legoland to a Sea Life location, multiple bowling alleys and countless other forms of entertainment beyond just rows of shops and restaurants – hence why it remains busy pretty much year-round.
Back then, British celebrities, popular local names of note, politicians, dignitaries and prominent figures from the retail industry got to visit as part of exclusive preview events in the days before its launch date.
You can see the spectacle and fascination surrounding the official opening event here:
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Seems surreal watching this today but the construction of the Trafford Centre was a huge moment not just for 0161 but all of the North.
But of course, the entire complex itself has seen multiple extensions over the years, including massive developments such as Barton Square and The Great Hall.
At the outset, it cost more than £600 million to build The Trafford Centre; the major renovations mentioned above which took place in 2008 cost another £100m and the Trafford Palazzo revamp around a decade later came in at around £75m.
There has and always will be lots of money put behind this intruguing monument to modern consumerism, and big brands will continue to flock to open units within the huge expanse whenever they can: some of the most recent being Archie’s, Flying Tiger, Sephora, Tiffany, Gymshark and more.
We’ll admit the aesthetic still makes us double-take from time to time (though not as much as confused Londoners visiting for the first time), but it’s not like this part of the world hasn’t boasted plenty of other curiosities in the past…
Featured Images — Charles Bowring (via Wikimedia Commons)/The Manc Group
Trafford
Primark is opening its first dedicated Home store in Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester has won big, as our region has been chosen as the first place to get a dedicated Primark Home store.
Following the opening of its debut Home location in Belfast earlier this year, Primark has now announced that the home of its first ever Great Britain site will be here in Greater Manchester – arriving at the popular Trafford Palazzo this summer.
The 11,900 sq ft, two-floor store will bring together the very best of Primark’s interiors offering, all under one roof.
Manchester shoppers can discover an expanded range of homeware and lifestyle essentials to give their home the glow-up it deserves, including high-quality essentials like cotton bedding and towels, soft furnishings, small furniture, and quirky ceramics.
The new store will feature Primark’s recently-launched ‘Edit’ – an elevated collection of home products such as chic tableware, plush towels, and luxury home fragrances.
It will also include a dedicated Travel Shop to help customers get holiday-ready all year round, with a range of stylish and practical travel essentials.
Primark is opening its first dedicated Home store in Manchester this summer / Credit: Primark Corporate
The addition of the new Primark Home at Trafford Palazzo doesn’t mean that any of the other Primark shops across Greater Manchester will be going anywhere though, so shoppers can still continue to get their Primark fix at the main Trafford Palazzo store, as well as on Market Street in Manchester city centre, and right through to the boroughs in places like Bolton, Oldham, Bury, and Wigan.
“The opening of Primark Home at Trafford Palazzo is an incredibly exciting moment for us,” commented Mark Whittaker, who is the Managing Director at Peel Retail and Leisure.
The store will bring together the very best of Primark’s interiors offering, all under one roof / Credit: Primark Corporate
“Not only because we are the first destination in Great Britain to do so, but the opening is going to be adding a leading concept to our already unique mixture of immersive shopping and leisure experiences.
“Primark Home will have something for everyone, and we look forward to the store opening in summer.”
No official opening date for the Primark Home store at Trafford Palazzo has been confirmed as of yet, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Primark Corporate
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LEGO is back hosting more interactive workshops for kids in Manchester this month
Emily Sergeant
Little Mancs who love LEGO can take part in a series of interactive building workshops in Manchester this month.
Following the launch of its campaign aimed at championing and standing up creativity last year, The LEGO Group hosted a series of free interactive workshops throughout 2024, and now, in a bid to keep encouraging children across Greater Manchester to ‘play without limits’, the next round of dates for this summer have been announced.
Aimed at young creators aged six to 12, the workshops will be botanical themed, and will focus on igniting imagination and nurturing children’s social skills.
The hands-on workshops where kids can build their own butterfly garden will take place down at the Trafford Centre on selected Sundays this month, as well as online for those who can’t make it in person.
LEGO is back hosting more interactive workshops for kids in Manchester this month / Credit: Supplied
The in-person ‘Creativity Workshops’ – which will be held at the LEGO Store Trafford Centre on Sunday 15 and Sunday 22 June – will be led by expert Brick Specialists who’ll provide a guided interactive experience that sparks curiosity, encourages creativity, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty of plants and nature.
And the best bit? Tickets to the workshops will only cost £5 per child.
But you will need to make sure you book them in advance on the LEGO website here, however, as they’re expected to be snapped-up fast.
For those who aren’t able to attend the workshops in person though, you can make the most of this year’s ‘Creativity at Home’ online workshop series instead, which this month led by content creator Plant Kween, also known as Christopher Griffin.
Workshops are happening down at the Trafford Centre these next two weekends / Credit: Craig A Rodway (via Flickr)
“I’ve always felt a deep connection to nature, and love decorating my home with botanicals,” Plant Kween said, “so I’m so excited about this opportunity to connect with families, and celebrate the joy and beauty that plants bring into our lives, one brick at a time.
“What makes this especially meaningful is seeing young people get involved, using their imaginations to build, explore, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
“It’s hands-on, joyful learning that truly plants the seeds for creativity and connection.”
Danny Jones -
22nd February 2025 
