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, had complained how the area "isn't what it used to be" and that no one seemed to care.
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.
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Firmstone was already given the green light to build three apartment blocks back in 2021.
Along with the 180 new build homes, the centre’s retail section could be revamped.
But it has been more than two years since planning permission was granted, and nothing has happened.
The company said earlier this year the development scheme was "no longer economically viable".
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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".
However, the future of the original plan to build up to 180 new homes in tower blocks, 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.
In April, the company told the 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 a new cinema.
But this was rejected.
High streets have taken a huge hit, particularly in recent years.
It comes as residents of Collyhurst in Manchester feel like they have been "forgotten" by their council amid a "chronic" lack of investment in the area.
A once-thriving shopping hot spot in Sheffield is now full of boarded-up stores after a flurry of closures.
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A combination of high energy costs and a shift to shopping online during and after the pandemic meant many high street shops struggled to survive.
According to the Centre for Retail Research, some 15,000 stores are expected to close this year.