10:10am Wednesday 17th March 2010
By Barbara Jordan
A NEW marketing campaign is being launched as the £25 million Widnes Shopping Park opens tomorrow, creating up to 750 new jobs.
Marks and Spencer, British Home Stores, The Outfit, Next, River Island, Boots and Costa Coffee have moved into the Gerrard Street development.
‘Try Widnes’ aims to promote the town as thousands of shoppers are expected to visit for the first time.
Clr Rob Polhill, board member for tourism and regeneration, said: “We want to brand Widnes as a place to shop.
“We’re thrilled that Marks and Spencer and other High Street retailers have come here.
“It’s a golden opportunity for the rest of the town to capitalise on the excitement big stores generate.
“We’re not just promoting our shops and markets, but also want to encourage people to visit our wonderful Victoria Park, only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre.”
Free bags, flags and badges sporting the new ‘Try Widnes’ rugby ball-shaped logo, will be handed out as musicians and singers entertain shoppers.
St Bede’s RC Junior School pupils have been rehearsing street dancing with artist Laura Newman for 10 weeks to celebrate Widnes becoming a regional shopping destination.
The Samba band from SS Peter and Paul RC School, a funk orchestra from Riverside College and The Brindley’s community choir will be performing.
A street market of stallholders from Widnes and Runcorn markets will be held from April 1 to 3.
Clr Polhill said: “Widnes will look and feel different. We want people from outside to see the town in a different light and come back again.”
A new website, trywidnes.com has been set up to promote the town to a wider audience.
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