ONCE styled the heart of Swindon shopping, the Brunel Centre sits half empty as it marks its 50th birthday.
Officially opened in March 1973 it was for many years one of the favoured destinations for the town's shoppers, boasting a Sainsbury's, M&S and many of the major chains.
At Christmas crowds gathered for the lights switch-on, often with TV celebrities of the day and special events were laid on through the year.
Sainsbury's went in 2020. Since then Shaw's the Drapers and many others have gone - shut down completely or moved to other sites in the town.
The spread of the internet and the Covid lockdowns have made an impact on retail habits and major changes are planned for what was once a busy shopping area. Complex owner FI Real Estate Management wants to build two blocks of flats on part of the site and is helping some shop tenants move out to make way.
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