'The town centre is dying': Sadness as businesses move out of Walsall shopping centre

It has been confirmed the entire upper level of Park Place Shopping Centre is to shut in the coming months as bosses LCP Properties look to revitalise the ailing mall.

There are a number of empty units on the floor and the remaining six traders have been served notice to leave once their leases are up.

And Walsall shoppers and residents reacted with dismay on social media at yet another big blow to the town centre’s retail offer.

It also provoked memories of the popular old indoor market area as well as a host of small shops that once traded there including Action Replay, Arcana and Just Pants.

Others also raised concerns and a desire for established current traders including Revolution Records, Clive Mark school wear, Park Place Meats and Park Place Shoe Repairs to stay in the town centre.

The latter business joined others in confirming it is looking to stay in Walsall once it has vacated the centre.

On Facebook, Park Place Shoe Repairs said: “Thanks for supporting our business!

“Following the news of the centre we have worked from for over 30 years closing, we can confirm that we will be relocating our shop within the town centre so that we can continue to service Walsall.”

Comments from shoppers on social media included:

“That’s a great shame. Now Debenhams is closing, that’s that. Same all over the country sadly.”

“Nothing to go into Walsall for anymore sadly. Town centre is slowly but definitely dying.”

“The town centre is dead and suffering thanks to a succession of poor decisions, not least to constantly court the developers of out-of-centre retail parks and corporate franchises. I’m sure it’s done under the guise of attracting revenue to the town but any short term boost is wiped out by long term cost.”

“I used to love the indoor market with all different stalls got my curtain nets from there.”

“Should have kept the indoor market it used to have years ago. It was lovely.”

“Used to love going here to go to Action Replay to buy my games and had a good nose around the old indoor market. Such a shame it’s closing.”

“I remember pet shop at top of escalator the market, jewellers, Arcana, butchers, clothes shops….There used to be an abundance of different types of shops and always busy. Such a shame to see Walsall the way it is now.

“Internet and online has killed the shops. Only supermarkets will survive. Very sad. I love going to the markets and shops in Walsall and West Bromwich, but all dead now.

“Walsall town centre is becoming a ghost town.”

But not everyone was sad to hear the news. One comment said: “The upper level has needed revamping for years.”

And another commented: “So. It’s going to be revitalised. Good news, the sooner the better.”

There was also a rallying cry for people to back those businesses that are still operating in the town centre.

They said: “While this is being revitalised, don’t forget to support the other shops that are left open in Walsall. Your local shops need your custom during these difficult times.”