The Trafford Centre turns 25 years old... but it nearly wasn't built at all

Today marks a landmark birthday of a place that it would be hard to imagine Manchester without.

On September 10, 1998, the Trafford Centre threw open its doors for the first time 25-years ago today. More than just a shopping destination, it was built to be an entertainment and social hub while boasting the biggest food court in Europe.

With its Rococo/late Baroque-inspired buildings and vast dome modelled on St Paul's Cathedral, the Trafford Centre was an ambitious investment. Back then it was the largest shopping centre in the UK, but it very nearly didn't get off the drawing board as reported by the Manchester Evening News back in 2018.

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The complex is located in Dumplington in Trafford and occupies land formerly owned by the Manchester Ship Canal, which opened in 1894, bringing with it a complete transformation of the adjoining Trafford Park area.

However, one 300 acre parcel of land remained agricultural until the 1980s - The Trafford Centre site. By 1987, Trafford Park's general industrial fortunes were in such decline that the whole park was designated an Urban Development Area - acknowledgement from central government that the Park's regeneration was a matter of national priority.

The idea for the Trafford Centre was first conceived by Peel Holdings in 1984 and formal planning applications were submitted in 1986. Soon afterwards, Peel Holdings acquired a controlling interest in the site by winning a long and bitter takeover battle for the Manchester Ship Canal Company.

Despite the Trafford Centre having the support of Trafford Council, other bodies were not so enthusiastic. For many years, it looked as though it might