Families say they are 'gutted' by the closure of the Trafford Centre's popular Creche & Play Area.
The centre, based inside The Orient but previously in the Festival Village at the John Lewis end of the mall, has been entertaining children for decades.
Home to a soft play where parents could attend with their children, it was also a place little ones would be dropped off while their parents shopped and was a popular venue for birthday parties too.
Announcing the closure on its Facebook page, the Creche & Play Area said: "It is with huge sadness that we must tell all of our lovely customers that we are not able to reopen the Crèche & Play Area as our company has run out of money and been liquidated. Thank you for 22 years of fun and laughter."
Dozens of people responded to the news to share their disappointment and recall their own fond memories of the place.
Faye Cheetham said: "Oh my gosh so sad, 15 years working there and made some amazing memories and friends, so sorry for everyone who still works there."
Another mum, Lisa Rabbetts, said: "Such sad news gutted for you all, one of my first jobs, loved working there many moons ago in the Festival Village. Will be sad to see it close, my children loved going there."
Zoe Brown described the place as 'a saviour to myself and my daughter Isabelle'. "We knew the staff so well and Isabelle loved it here. Such a sad day," she said.
While Hayley Sedden added: "This is awful news. So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed my time being a staff member here and I’ll take my memories. I wish you all the best of luck."
And Gemma Willetts said: "So sorry to hear this. Had a fab birthday party amongst lots of other great visits here with the kids."
Zoe Inman, centre director at intu Trafford Centre, said: “Sadly, our creche and play area operator has decided to close. We wish them and all their staff well.
"We want to give people the best possible shopping experience when they visit intu Trafford Centre and we’ll announce our plans for the unit in due course.”
The M.E.N has approached the operator for a comment.
