Back in 1991, Hyde's new £4.5 million Clarendon Square Shopping Centre was officially opened by Coronation Street's favourite couple Jack and Vera Duckworth.
Their eagerly awaited guest appearance was the crowning glory of a day described by the North Cheshire Herald as the biggest the town had seen in years.
A huge crowd gathered to see Jack and Vera - Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn - perform the opening ceremony in Howard Place before going walkabout to meet their fans and sign autographs.
Plans for the day had been unveiled in a blaze of publicity by developers MEPC Investments, promising a feast of entertainment with Piccadilly Radio DJ ‘Curly Shirley’ Dave Ward, an old time music hall singalong led by nationally known compere Ray Sheridan, Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles, magic duo Fabian and Kerry, Britain’s tallest stilt walker, clowns, unicyclists, jugglers and face painters.
Over ten months building contractors Higgs and hill Northern had transformed the former precinct from top to bottom creating two malls under attractive glazed roofs, with brightly coloured terazzo floors, airy, spacious aisles - and 24-hour security.
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