The showcase of planet earth right here in the marble and granite of intu Trafford Centre

Did you know that intu Trafford Centre is an unlikely showcase of planet earth with its fossil infused marble and granite?

When intu Trafford Centre was created the marble, stone and granite was largely sourced from Carrara in Italy, with other materials also coming from Brazil, Russia and India.

Years later, geology expert Dr Fred Broadhurst would describe The Trafford Centre as "the best place for an introduction to earth science" saying, 'it was an unlikely showcase of planet earth with its vast display of marble and granite created thousands and millions of years ago through molten rock cooling and crystallising and by massive earthquakes."

In papers he would go on to muse about the Carrara marble and fossilised shellfish on display in Regent Crescent as "some of the finest" he had ever seen.

So, next time you're strolling along the malls of intu Trafford Centre take a moment to look down at the floor and maybe you'll spot a million year old shellfish fossil!