THE first stage of a revamp of Sale's shopping centre is underway - with the start of a £300,000 refurbishment of its multi-storey car park.

Improvements to The Square shopping centre's 308 space car park include concrete repairs, improved lighting and general decoration.

It will be completely closed while the concrete works are carried out and there will then be a phased reopening, with as many spaces as possible available in the run up to Christmas.

The upgrade of the car park comes three months after the go-ahead was given for a £5 million development of the shopping centre - which has changing its name from the Six Acre Centre to The Square. Planners approved the scheme despite a massive campaign objecting to the indoor market at the centre being axed as part of the plans. More than 6,000 people signed a petition objecting to the market closure.

But the committee unanimously supported the scheme - with councillors agreeing the plan fitted in well with other developments in the town.

The shopping centre will be refurbished and extended to accommodate several new and larger shops, and there will be new entrances and upgraded public spaces.

The Square centre manager, Diane Smith, says: "We are delighted to be able to commence works to the car park, which we have been seeking to upgrade for some time. The improvements are designed to ensure that drivers have an improved environment in which to park."