intu Trafford Centre worth £488.9m to local economy, finds report

Retail and leisure complex intu Trafford Centre contributed nearly half a billion pounds to the local economy in 2016, according to new data.

A report published by the site’s owner, leisure operator intu, found that the shopping centre helped generate £488.9m in GVA for the area in 2016.

intu Trafford Centre also supported 11,962 local jobs, which is 7.3% of all jobs in the area, according to the study.

The research, compiled by planning consultancy Lichfields, measured the economic impact of each of intu’s shopping destinations to determine how much they are worth to their local areas through employment, regional investment and business rates paid.

The regional centre director at intu Trafford Centre, Alison Niven, said: “intu Trafford Centre is just one of the organisations investing and developing the region to make it more attractive to local businesses – the introduction of a smart motorways programme and of course, the extension of the Metroline.

“Looking ahead even further, the development of Trafford Waters will generate thousands of new homes, jobs and businesses. It’s an exciting time for the area.”

Lichfields’ report found that the total contribution of intu shopping centres grew by £700m in 2016, from £4.2bn the year previous.

intu’s development pipeline is forecast to generate around 31k new jobs and £1.95bn more for the economy in the next 10 years.

Alexander Nicoll, intu’s corporate responsibility director, commented: “We invest millions in our centres and their local communities every year.

“This allows us to create long-lasting and positive change by delivering skills, employment and health and wellbeing.”