A NEW look Kings Mall could help boost trade in Hammersmith.

This is the view of shoppers and businesses following the announcement that the shopping centre is to undergo a radical facelift.

Under the plans the mainly concrete structure will be covered with aluminium panels, the two outside stair cases demolished and the entrance doors moved closer to the pavement.

New smarter signage will be used and double-height shop fronts will be created too.

Planning bosses gave it the green light to alleviate concerns that the unattractive centre, which was built in the 1970s, detracts from an otherwise bustling King Street.

This opinion has also been felt by residents (see below) and fellow traders.

Arun Sondhi executive director of business improvement district, HammersmithLondon, has backed the scheme.

He said: "The redevelopment of the Kings Mall will be a great addition to the retail offer of the area, being in such a prominent location in the heart of the town centre.

"Hammersmith has always had a varied and interesting retail offer for its visitors and we feel the new face of Kings Mall will greatly increase the mix.

"It is both pleasing and very encouraging to see this level of investment taking place in Hammersmith, especially in difficult financial times."

Similarly the Lyric Theatre, which is also planning to expand, has thrown its weight behind the refurbishment which also see a new branch of Asian fast food chain Wasabi opening in one of the empty shop units.

Executive director Jessica Hepburn, said: "We’re delighted about the refurbishment of King’s Mall, which will dovetail perfectly with the Lyric’s own forthcoming development. It’s great to be supporting the continuing regeneration of Hammersmith."

Your views:

Carly Clark, 33, Lily Close Hammersmith

"The mall is old-fashioned and run down. Quite a few shops have closed down - losing Habitat was a shame.

Might shop there a bit more if it was refurbished. The shops at the moment are a bit shabby."

Keely, 19, Whitechapel

"Not too bothered about it being refurbished. As long as it does the job it's all right. If it looked nicer but had the same shops it wouldn't make a lot of difference."

James Dowey, 30, lives in Chalk Farm, works in Hammersmith

"The mall is extraordinarily ugly. Shopping there would be a nicer experience if it looked better.

"But it is mostly used by working people on their lunch breaks, so it probably wouldn't make a massive difference to them whether its refurbished or not. "The foodhall could do with jazzing up a bit.

"Its ugliest angle is when you view it from the top - my office looks out that way. It's acknowledged by everyone that it is an ugly building."

Susie Turnbull, 31, lived in Hammersmith for 10 years

"I use it, and think it is a good part of the high street. Would probably use it more if it was done up, but at the moment it isn't lacking anything in particular."

John Jordan, 65, Shepherds Bush

I shop there regularly but it's not good at all.

"The toilets are disgusting for a start. And there's a lot of empty shops. Too many phone shops too - there's about four or five. I only use it because it's convenient. Mainly for Sainsbury's, which doesn't have any problems.

Adrian Shaw, 41, Hammersmith

"I've known the high street a long time, and Kings Mall established it. Since it was bought by Mr Green, who owns Topshop, the high street has died. "Primark has also killed the high street. The demographic of the area has diminished because people with less money now come to shop in Primark, and this has led to Poundlands opening everywhere.

"Primark is bringing the area down at the cost of everything else. Thankfully the new buyers are going to do something about it.

"Hopefully the refurbishment will revive the high street again."

Eamon Nestor, 53, Shepherd's Bush

"It might attract more people if it is refurbished. I would back anything that is good for the area."