Work has begun on a regeneration scheme that should see increased investment into the Newton Heath area of Manchester.

The £1 million makeover, funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and Manchester city council, will see the creation of a new shopping centre in the East Manchester town, along with improvements to the local park.

It will also provide a new public car park and signage in order to cater for visitors and to direct them to local attractions and amenities.

Mark Hughes, executive director of economic development at the NWDA, said: "High quality public spaces are vital to improving the image of an area and encouraging investment."

Newton Heath is situated 2.8 miles from the centre of Manchester and has good road links and bus services into the city and surrounding areas for local residents.

It is also to benefit from investment into the Metrolink, which will see it served on the Rochdale/Oldham line.