Future’s grim for the Shawlands Arcade

james73 · Future’s grim for the Shawlands Arcade

FOR years it has been at the centre of calls for a major revamp. But despite
action plans, the launch of a steering group and even new owners, Shawlands
Arcade is today still nearly half empty with rows of To Let signs.

Now community leaders are calling for the centre - intended to be the
heart of its bustling community - to finally be demolished.

Big names such as Sainsbury's, Radio Rentals and Carphone Warehouse
as well as independent retailers, including a record shop and a sports
store, have moved out, blaming the outdated look of the centre for the
lack of trade.

Hopes were raised when the mall was bought by Property firm AWG in
2006 for more than £21million.

It promised to let all the units in the short term but said it would later roll
out a multi-million pound makeover to return the centre to a thriving
shopping area.

And it was said to be in talks with major retailers such as Asda and
Waitrose about redevelopment.

Two years on some improvements have been made and new tenants such
as Costa Coffee and Curves fitness club have moved in recently.

But local politicians say it's not enough to revive the centre's flagging
fortunes. And now they want more drastic action.

Councillor David Meikle, who is on the Shawlands Town Centre Steering
Group set up earlier this year, said: "I would certainly like to see it
demolished and a new shopping centre built. It needs something
spectacular and positive to encourage new business."

Councillor Archie Graham, who chairs the group, said discussions with the
arcade's owners AWG Property are at an early stage.

He said: "Demolition might be the conclusion we come to. But the steering
group has not explored all the options yet."

Councillor James Dornan, who is also on the steering group, said: "The
most important thing is to do it up and utilise it properly."

James H