Inside shopping centre loved in the 1960s now completely transformed into thriving £70million entertainment hub
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A BUSTLING 1960s shopping centre has been completely revamped into a £70million entertainment hub. Stanley Square in Sale, Manchester, has been praised for its "community atmosphere" and wide range of shops. Formerly known as 6 Acre Square, the centre is also set to open the new Northern Light Cinema - which will be the first new cinema to open in Sale for 40 years.
![[Stanley Square in Sale was a £70million project to breathe life back into the community]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/stanley-square-sale-961705685.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Over 50 years ago, despite being a popular spot with locals, the shopping centre had ugly entrance gates, no green spaces and loads of empty shops. In 2020, plans were approved to build the new 'cultural square' and today the residents are thrilled with the area.
![[There is also a new cinema in the square - the first in the area in 40 years]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/stanley-square-sale-961705696.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
There are places to eat, drink and shop as well as accommodating for workers with office spaces above the shops. Phil and Valerie Hadwen, who live in Timperley, shared their thoughts on the town's highlight. "It used to be awful", he added. "There were a lot of empty shop units and it wasn't a nice place to come. They've really turned it around.".
![[The shopping centre used to be dull and tired but has now been given a rebrand]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/stanley-square-sale-961705680.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Although not everyone is impressed with the town's makeover and miss the old days. A woman named Sue told the publication: "I think it’s quite sad because the high street is all coffee, nail bars, hairdressers and clothes shops. Meanwhile, the building societies and banks have closed.”.
![[There are plenty of exciting places to eat and drink]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/stanley-square-sale-961705698.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
There is also Hiya, which is a place for people to meet and take part in activities. By Milad Sherzad. FURIOUS locals have slammed plans to demolish an iconic shopping centre that was much-loved in the '90s. Shoppers who frequent Lewisham Shopping Centre in south east London have ridiculed plans to redevelop the site as a "complete waste of money.".
