Our once-thriving shopping centre is a ghost town with 15 empty stores – the area is dying but no one will fix it
A ONCE-thriving shopping centre is now a “ghost town” according to locals.
Disheartened shoppers in Bedminster, Bristol, say the area “isn’t what it used to be” and no one seems to care.
Shoppers say they are “disappointed but not surprised” at the recent closure of the Iceland store based in St Catherine’s place, and have concerns about new development planned for the area.
Bristol World visited the town and counted 15 empty shop units inside the “worn-down” shopping precinct.
The construction of new student housing has also left some shoppers disgruntled.
“They’re making lots of houses like these for students but they won’t spend any money here.
“It’s slowly dying on East Street and the council and MPs aren’t doing anything about it.
“Cutting bus services every other day isn’t helping either, how are we supposed to support the few shops still standing if we can’t get to them,” said 54-year-old, Mike, who was making his way home to Hartcliffe.
There are plans to redevelop St Catherine’s Place put forward by developer, Firmstone which was given the green light to build three apartment blocks in 2021.
Along with the 180 homes set to be built, the centre’s retail section would be revamped – but shoppers are unsure if they’ll continue visiting if these plans were to come to fruition.
Couple John and Margaret complete a weekly shop at Iceland and are wary of the shopping centre being occupied by more expensive retailers if it was to undergo a makeover.
“It is an inconvenience [for the store to be closing] but it doesn’t surprise us.
“You’ve only got Farm Foods left around here now for value and you have to wonder ‘how long will that be here for?’
“We actually walked here today and counted the empty stores on the way, it is getting grim for businesses.
“I’m always doubtful when plans are announced to improve the area.
“Whether the centre will get a revamp remains to be seen but those in charge of it need to remember those who have lived around here their whole lives and not just cater to those attending university for a few years.”
High streets have taken a huge hit, particularly in recent years. Residents of Collyhurst in Manchester also feel like they have been “forgotten” by the council and a “chronic” lack of investment in the area.
A once-thriving shopping hot spot in Sheffield is now full of boarded-up shops after a flurry of store closures.
A combination of high energy costs and a shift to shopping online after the pandemic has meant many high street shops have struggled to keep open.
According to the Centre for Retail Research, some 15,000 stores are expected to close this year.