HUNDREDS of people are working round the clock on the new Market Place.

And it will be ready to open on Tuesday — despite looking like there is still a lot to do.

There is a hive of activity in the town centre as the finishing touches are put to the £40 million restoration.

Work has been under way at the shopping centre since April 2007 and bosses at the centre say it will be completed on time.

Rod Neasham, shopping centre manager, said: “The number of people working on the Market Place must be well into the hundreds.

“They are working flat out to get it ready.

“We are seeing a big impact every day and the centre is changing all the time.

“We will be ready and opening at 10am on Tuesday.

“We are really excited now that our opening is imminent and can’t wait to show off our new shops.”

The stores are nearly ready, most staff have been recruited and are being trained and stock is arriving.

Frank Joyce, area director of Miller Construction, said: “We are in the final throes and it’s something special now when you see the lights on and people in their yellow vests in all the shops. It’s coming together really well and there is a real buzz about the place.”

The new Market Place will welcome shoppers for the first time after the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Anthony Connell, has cut the ribbon to open the centre.

The first 50 shoppers into the centre will get a £50 voucher to spend in the Market Place.

They will be able to visit Oasis, Bank, H&M, Zara, Jane Norman, Claire’s, Moss Bros, Zumo, Starbucks, The Carphone Warehouse, Principles, Warehouse, Lush and Office, which are all new tenants.

The new retailers join existing stores, including Debenhams, Next, River Island, Topshop, Topman and JD Sports.

Independent local businesses Westwells Florist, Stokes Opticians, Cappuccinos Restaurant, C&J Carter Jewellers, Photoworld, Varanni and Pink and Millers Bags will be alongside the high street names.

Many retailers are planning special events, Starbucks will have Lofty the Lion and a Bolton Wanderers player in store, signing mugs in aid of Royal Bolton Hospital Breast Cancer Unit, and the first 200 H&M customers will receive a £5 discount voucher.

cherry.thomas@theboltonnews.co.uk