In 1973 work began to clear the land bordered by Golborne, Horsemarket and Sankey Streets. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II unveiled a plaque at the centre in 1979 but the building work was not completed until 1983. For the next few decades Golden Square remained the principal shopping destination for the area.
In the new millennium, Lend Lease decided to bring Golden Square up-to-date. A huge extension and refurbishment programme doubled the centre in size. Relaunched in June 2007, Golden Square reclaimed its position as one of the biggest and most modern town centre shopping destinations in the region.