It’s a shopping centre like no other. Built in the 1970s, Broadwalk Shopping Centre is a maze of shops, leisure venues, a library and a dentist - and it might not be around for long, under plans by owners Redcatch Development Partnership.
The consortium wants to pull down the centre and replace it with 820 homes, a cinema, supermarket, restaurant, library and a dentist. There is strong opposition, however, with many locals against the number of homes and height of the proposed buildings.
There’s also concerns many of the businesses located inside the centre today will not be able to stay with retail space severely reduced. Meanwhile, several shops are already closing, including B&M and MW Freshfoods, amid growing uncertainty on the future of the site.
Have a look around the centre with this selection of pictures taken last week:
5. Iceland
Despite the ‘doom and gloom’ over the centre, some stores appear to still be doing well, including Iceland. Bosses at the supermarket have objected to redevelopment plans. | Alex Ross
6. Jobcentre Plus
Unfortunately, Jobcentre Plus will close at the end of July, having opened as a temporary facility during the pandemic. | Alex Ross
7. Huge YMCA store
I’m willing to bet this is the largest YMCA store you’ll see. It’s taken over the old Wilko shop and is big enough to stock everything from clothes to furniture to games. | Alex Ross
8. Car park entrance
The car park appears to be the most dated part of the shopping centre. It’s free to park for two hours. | Alex Ross