What better way to celebrate your birthday than a party, a giant cake and a new look?

On Saturday, staff and customers, young and old alike, were in jubilant mood as Dartford’s Priory Shopping Centre celebrated its 40th birthday.

Children were entertained with party games and prizes, and shoppers were treated to a slice of a giant three-tier cake at the retail complex in Lowfield Street.

Centre manager Shelley Filippi said: “Today is a celebration for The Priory Shopping Centre’s 40th birthday and an opportunity to say thank you to our loyal customers.

“There have been many changes to the scheme over the years and we have recently completed the major phase of the centre’s refurbishment, which has included new public toilets and baby change facilities, lighting, signage and re-branding. We hope our customers enjoy the new surroundings and shops.”

Only last week The Priory took a step in its revitalisation after signing a deal for a firm to run 10 promotional spaces in the mall. It has agreed a partnership with Space to trade, a retail space specialist, which will operate a series of pop-up stands.

The centre, which went into receivership in December 2013, was bought for £33 million by property fund Curzon Capital Partners III last year and is managed by investor Ellandi.

Space to trade managing director Paul Clifford said: “We are looking forward to working with the Priory to be part of the revitalising of the town.

“We will always aim to find the right shopping centre or town centre venue for brands across the UK, but the way we work is very different to our competitors.

“It has to be the right retailer in the right space. We work closely with our mall retailers, helping them with the most modern and engaging design for their stand, through to the financial projections.”

Priory shopping centre has 31 stores including Wilkinsons, Poundland, Superdrug and McDonald’s.

The next event is on Saturday November 19 when the Christmas lights will be switched on.