RETAILER OF THE YEAR: Market Place

A POPULAR shopping centre is facing the challenges in the retail sector and winning.

Market Place won the Retailer of the Year Awardm, sponsored by Farnell Jaguar Land Rover Bolton.

Nikki Wilson-Cook, centre manager, said: "I am very humbled by it to be honest, it's such a fantastic recognition for the work the team have done and absolutely delighted and ecstatic about it.

"It's tough out there in retail but we are bucking the trend and our numbers are much better than the UK average and the north average so we are ecstatic about it."

Market Place, Bolton's premier shopping, dinning and leisure venue, strength lies in its ability to adapt to the changing face of town centres.

Acquired in 2013 by Inception Holdings, the centre has undergone a spectacular transformation over recent years.

It had been been in decline for a number of years before it was taken over.

The centre then enjoyed £20 million investment to create a vibrant, modern retail and leisure destination in the centre of Bolton.

The Victorian Market Hall has enjoyed a sympathetic restoration to transform it for contemporary retail, while The Vaults have been exposed to create a stylish and popular social spot for dining and leisure that reflects the site's rich heritage.

The award is the latest in a number won by the Market Place.

FULL COVERAGE - read the winners' stories

Editor's award - John Carr

Business of the year - Darts Corner

Businessperson of the year - James Bancroft

Apprentice of the year - Ellie Entwistle

Employer of the year - ExcluSec

Manufacturer of the year - Pure Fabs

Retailer of the year - Market Place

Family business of the year - HCS

Innovation award - Bolton College

Customer excellence award- Market Place