Inside ‘UK’s saddest shopping centre’ that was once thriving but is now a ghost town – and there’s huge change to come

A ONCE thriving shopping centre that has now become a “ghost town” is set for a huge change.

Disheartened shoppers in Bedminster, Bristol, previously complained how the area “isn’t what it used to be” and that no one seems to care.

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Over the years, the bustling St Catherine’s Place shopping centre has seen a number of outlets close down amid the cost-of-living crisis.

With the last few shops leaving over the course of the last 12 months – and Iceland closing earlier this year – only Farm Foods remained open before its closure this month.

And the owners of the “saddest shopping centre in Britain” have now asked council planners if they can convert 10 of the deserted shop units into flats.

Developer Firmstone has submitted two applications to Bristol City Council’s planners, asking if it needs to obtain formal planning permission for its new scheme.

Firmstone was already given the green light to build three apartment blocks back in 2021.

Along with the 180 homes set to be built, the centre’s retail section was proposed to be revamped.

But it has been more than two years since planning permission was granted, and nothing has happened.

It comes after the company acknowledged earlier this year that the development scheme was “no longer economically viable for it”.

Now, Firmstone wants to change the use of the units numbered 13 to 17 – the deserted shops next to Farm Foods – and convert them into “residential apartments”.

The second similar application proposes to convert the empty shops on the corner opposite the former Iceland store into more new homes.

It would mean that instead of empty shop units, that part of the shopping centre would be home to eight apartments.

However, the future of the overall plan to build up to 180 new homes in tower blocks around the original shopping centre building, and transform the shopping centre itself remain in long-term doubt.

Previously, residents said that they were unsure if they’ll continue visiting if these plans were to come to fruition.

Couple John and Margaret said: “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.”

Earlier this year, after Iceland closed, a spokesperson for Firmstone did say the situation was a challenging one at the shopping centre.

In April, the company told the BBC the scheme they were awarded planning permission for was “less economically viable”, and confirmed they had sold off parts of the site.

Firmstone originally wanted to build more than 200 flats around St Catherine’s Place shopping centre, and a 2018 plan included a much bigger revamp of the facility itself, including creating a cinema there.

But this was rejected leading to its more modest developing plans.

High streets have taken a huge hit, particularly in recent years.

It comes as residents of Collyhurst in Manchester also feel like they have been “forgotten” by their local 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 during and after the pandemic has meant many high street shops have struggled to survive.

According to the Centre for Retail Research, some 15,000 stores are expected to close this year.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk