IT has been kept out of the public’s view for more than a year.

But a small group of shoppers finally got a sneak peek behind the scenes at the Market Place Shopping Centre this week to see how work is progressing.

A select group of Boltonians took up an invitation from developers Warner Estate to have a tour round the old Market Hall.

The hall is being renovated and restored by a team of 90 workmen and will reopen in late September.

The boards and scaffolding have been in place since April, 2007, when work began.

Now most of the refurbishment has been completed and shopfitters have started to get their spaces ready for customers.

Many high street names have flocked to the centre to join existing firms and more than 200 jobs will be created.

New shops include Jane Norman, Claire’s, Moss Bros, Zumo, Starbucks, The Carphone Warehouse, Principles, Warehouse, Lush, H&M and Office.