When Queen Elizabeth II opened Runcorn Shopping City in 1972 — then called Halton Lea and Runcorn Shopping — she was probably overjoyed at the modernisations sweeping the north of England.
It was the largest enclosed complex in Europe, proof that Britain was at the forefront of social development.
Intended to be the centrepiece of Runcorn’s New Town, Cheshire, it had futuristic walkways “in the sky” which linked it to the nearby hospital, courts, and surrounding estates.
A massive hit in its early years, travellers from all over visited Runcorn, including those from Liverpool and Manchester.
But today, Runcorn Shopping City has fallen into complete neglect and decline, similar to scenes found across Britain, and stands as a shell of its former self.
The centre now feels dated, and visitors say there are hardly any shops there.
The decline began in the Eighties when disputes arose between owners and businesses renting the units and continued with further fallout between successive owners and contractors tasked with managing the building.
Many big names have shut their doors in recent years, including Tesco and The Ranger, leading most people to revert to their old high-street shopping habits or simply shop online.
While some units remain open, they are often flanked by empty stalls.
Adam Killen, 29, a barber in Runcorn’s Old Town, described it to Cheshire Live as a “shopping centre with no shops in it.”
Gail Mayers, 61, shopping with her daughter, Lisa, said: “It’s always been the same. There’s nothing here,” before Lisa chipped in: “We’ve had everything in here but it’s getting worse, emptier.”
Gesturing towards the former Santander branch, she added: “Even the bank has shut down.”
Many shops, such as favourites B&M, have since moved to neighbouring shopping centres, like the Trident Retail Park.
Some units once home to shops now house medical facilities, such as the NHS clinic, Halton Health Hub.
Many of those asked noted that they see the same faces frequenting Shopping City, hinting that it isn’t bringing in any new money.
“I’ve been working here for twenty years, and it’s the same faces you see coming in every day,” said Rob Garrett, 39, who works at ACT:R, a menswear shop that opened in Shopping City more than 30 years ago.
“They’ve tried to do things to get new people in – there was a crazy golf course [in the square at the centre of Shopping City] last summer – but I think a lot of people would rather go to Warrington or Widnes now.”
In 2012, many hoped that Shopping City might get a much-needed injection of cash after plans were announced for the renovation of the exterior of the building and three of the four multi-storey car parks.
The sum of £3million was invested, and more money was pumped into the centre the following year, though according to its regulars, more is needed to revive it to its former glory.
Despite the ghost town descriptions, a representative for Runcorn said the centre was “very busy this end of the new securing new lettings and delighted to confirm it has 53 trading businesses.
Dave Pearman, Shopping Centre Manager at Runcorn Shopping City, told Express.co.uk: “Following the Covid-19 pandemic so much in the world has changed, and this obviously includes the retail landscape. People shop in different ways, with a heavy shift to online and the need for community services has heightened.
“At Runcorn Shopping City we are on a path to repositioning our offerings tailored to the needs of the local community. Easier access to medical appointments, and in-person help to speak with an expert around citizen’s advice issues are services that are much needed and have been so positively received by Runcorn’s residents.
“Further, the importance of engaging with others, not isolating ourselves and socialising is a large part of what we are building here. We realise shopping centres are no longer just places to shop – they allow us to catch up with friends and family, meet colleagues for work meetings over a coffee, keep fit and so much more.
“We fully acknowledge Runcorn Shopping City may not be the same as it was previously, as has been highlighted earlier this year in the news – but it shouldn’t be – because we are adapting, evolving and focussed on serving the needs of the local community.”