Possibilities for shopping centre that was 'great in its hey day'

The owners of Belle Vale Shopping Centre have promised 'substantial investments' for this year Suggestions for the future of a much-loved shopping centre have been circling on social media amid concerns the site has "gone downhill." Since its doors opened in 1973, Belle Vale Shopping Centre has been a vibrant hub for the community around it and beyond. However, in recent years many businesses have come and gone.

Poundstretcher closed in January this year , and some other big brands including Argos have departed. A boutique fashion store, Sonia's Fabulous Fashion (which has now relocated to Widnes Market), and a bakery have also closed in the last few years, and the former Store Twenty One has been vacant for almost a decade. The latest store to announce its closure is Poundland.



The discount chain confirmed the store will be closing on May 6 because it has "been served notice on [its] lease." Over the years, there have been rumours of the shopping centre being demolished and transformed into apartments or housing, but according to IM Group Services, asset managers of the centre, "substantial investments are planned this year". In a statement, they said: "Retail is a dynamic, resilient sector and IM Group Services are constantly enhancing the visitor experience at the centre.

Whilst footfall at the Belle Vale Shopping Centre is already competitive, we are more committed than ever before to ensuring that our retail mix is as diverse as possible. "To support tenants and encourage visitation, substantial investments are planned for the shopping centre this year which include a considerable marketing campaign across multiple channels including broadcast, out of home and social media. "2025 is a landmark year with the introduction of enhancements to the already popular shopping centre, and a number of new and exciting national brands being added to the retail environment in line with IM Group Services leasing strategy.

"This large-scale investment highlights our ongoing commitment to evolving and enhancing the visitor experience and with this we are setting the shopping centre up for an extended period of exceptional growth." Since the update from the asset managers, many have offered suggestions as to what may be best for the centre going forward. Responding to the ECHO's Facebook post, Emma Anderson said: "I’ve thought for years they should knock it down and build a retail park like Speke and Edge Lane.

We need more useful shops: Next, JD, Boots, River Island, Smyths and maybe a nice restaurant or two." Lynne Day added: "I can't believe Aldi has not moved into the [centre]. I think that would really help but I still find going here good and on rain days.

" Lucy Burns suggested: "It needs knocking down and rebuilding in a way that bigger units will bring bigger brands to the area while still allowing small units for all our local small businesses rather than them having to relocate." Another described how it would be a "real shame" for the centre to close. They said: "Be a real shame to lose Belle Vale Shopping Centre.

Yes it’s smaller and a bit less choice, but what makes it so unique is the free rooftop car parking." Janine Murrell said: "Same situation with Halton Lea shopping centre. Nothing up there that’s worth going for.

I’m surprised it’s still able to stay open. I remember when I was a kid and every single unit was filled. "Now most are empty.

So much potential to be full again but no businesses are going to open up a shop knowing that they will more than likely have to close within a year." Robert Waugh wrote: "I've seen it close to becoming the Mary Celeste. Why Farmfoods moved into the old Wilko shop I've no idea.

It's far too big for them. About four shoppers in at last Friday. It is a crying shame though, it's always been a nice shopping precinct.

" Sheilaalice Rigby added: "Gone downhill so fast. Was a great shopping area in its hey day." Others were more positive about the facility.

Ann Downey said: "It's a lot better than some places. There's Iceland, Farmfoods, B&,M, Boots. Sayers Superdrug, a butchers, Home Bargains, jewellers, cobbler/key cutting, Bon Marche, a card shop and a few coffee shops other clothes and shoe shops and a couple of charity shops.

I'm not saying is fantastic but a damn sight better than many places." Ritchie Dev said: "People are increasingly using cash and calling for a return of the high street. I see it coming back.

".