HEMPSTEAD Valley Shopping Centre is to be refurbished, with work starting this month.

Opening times will not change, as most of the work will be done at night to avoid causing too much disruption to shoppers.

During the makeover, the brown brickwork will be replaced with rendered walls in bright colours, and areas of wooden flooring will be renewed with more suitable covering. Other cosmetic alterations will also be made, including the creation of a feature mosaic wall. Work will last for 12 weeks.

Jean York, Promotions Manager, said: "There comes a time when we all need a modern makeover and a busy shopping centre is no exception.

"We have a particularly exciting schedule of events this year and despite receiving a very positive response about the shopping environment at Hempstead in a recent survey, we are keen to give all the malls a more up-to-date look."