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.

Timesfile

ONE of Glasgow's earliest shopping malls, Shawlands Arcade was built in the 1960s.

The centre is artificially raised above street level by about 10ft.

It was believed the arcade would be made safer for children by lifting and pedestrianising it.

But by the early 90s its style was fading and critics said it had become neglected and rundown.

In the mid-90s plans for redevelopment to attract new units were launched.

The Burrell Hotel, which was part of the arcade, was bought over and demolished in a bid to improve the shopping environment.

And, by 1997, its fortunes were looking brighter.

It was given a new glass-covered area as part of an £8million refit, which helped attract new tenants.

Tandy, Walmsley Furnishings, Tandem Pet Supplies, The Book Pedlar and Video Drive-In at the Shawlands Arcade joined existing traders Boots, Farmfoods, Birthdays, Kwik Save, Pound-stretcher, TSB, Woolworths, Burger King and Superdrug.

But many have since left with Sainsbury's, which joined in 2002, also pulling out a few years later.

The T-shaped mall has 150,000sq ft of space and includes a four-storey office building and two multi-storey car parks.

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Warehouse as well as independent retailers, including a record shop and a sports store, have moved out, blaming the outdated look of the centre for the lack of trade.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."

Andrew Montgomery, secretary of Shawlands and Strathbungo Community Council, also favours a total redevelopment. He said: "I think bringing the arcade back down to street level would really benefit the area and create a more balanced streetscape."

The steering group was established by community leaders after a public meeting in February.

Two hundred people turned up to discuss ways the area could be revived and revamping the arcade was top of the agenda.

AWG today refused to say if demolition was something it was looking at but says it is working with the steering group to come to a solution.

Word on the street
Peter Connor, 45, Cathcart, Social Worker: I don't really shop here anymore. But I don't think they should knock it down, they should work with what they've got.	Amelia McKinlay, 72, Castlemilk, retired: Years ago the arcade was better. One thing they should have is a good fruit and veg shop. I only come here for the Somerfield.	Margaret Paterson, 39, Paisley, JobCentre staff: I work here and there's not much in the arcade - it's run down. I think it would be good if they created a new centre.	Craig McDougal, 30, Firefighter, Newlands: I think there needs to be more independent shops.	Joyce Williamson, 57, Giffnock, Retired: They should make it cheaper for independent shops to open up in the arcade.

When AWG bought it, director Richard Rae said: "If we were to demolish what's there we would be looking at five years to completion once you took into account the consultation and planning processes involved. We've had lots of interest in the site from major supermarket players and other retailers."

Other issues being tackled by the steering group include improving the environment, including noise, litter and heavy traffic.

The area has been made the subject of a Town Centre Action Plan - a Glasgow City Council incentive to improve key areas of the city.

A Shawlands Business Forum has also been set up.