THE number of shoppers visiting the Mall shopping centre in Blackburn has risen 11 per cent a year after a £66million expansion was completed.

Bosses said footfall was up by around 70,000 people per week on average throughout the past year.

Loraine Jones, the centre’s general manager said it had been an amazing 12 months, culminating in the opening of the new Blackburn Market recently, located on the lower level of The Mall.

She said there had been an overall increase in footfall of 11 per cent with spikes of more than 25 per cent in April, May and June.

Footfall is measured by sensors fitted to the entrance doors of the shopping centre.

Ms Jones said: “It’s amazing to think that the newly refurbished The Mall Blackburn has been open for a year now.

“The investment has been hugely positive for Blackburn and has significantly contributed to an improved shopping choice for the people of Lancashire. It has been fantastic to welcome brands that have not previously had stores in the town.

“With footfall continuing to increase month on month, and ongoing positive feedback from customers, we are very proud that all our hard work is making a real difference.”

There are now 90 retailers in The Mall, including the newest Pandora, Primark, UCS, Bank and H&M and she said talks were ongoing to fill empty units in the site.

Yesterday plans were announced to bring a further retail element to the town centre with supermarket giant Sainsbury’s hoping to take over the historic Thwaites brewery site within the next four years.

It is also hoped to develop the former market building for retail use.