Lines

The Broadmarsh Shopping Centre was built around 40 years ago and so is getting a little run down, especially with all the boarded up shops dotted around the two floors.

But plans are afoot for it to be dragged into the 21st century. There have actually been plans for it for years, but nothing has happened up to now.

While the frontage of the centre may look enticing, the rear part of the building less so.  It has been completely neglected. I can't even remember when it was last used. If it ever was. It certainly doesn't help that it's in an area that people don't really walk near. Only perhaps photographers, people up to no good and the homeless.

Still it makes a good urban decay subject, with lines, lines everywhere.

Shopping With Attitude

The shoppers in the Broad Marsh were a bit surprised today when local boxing champion Carl Froch turned up to give a boxing demonstration with some sparring to his adoring fans.

He was also there to promote his forthcoming match in Manchester. Of course the media pack were there, filming, interviewing and photographing him in action. Naturally I was there as well to capture the event for posterity and for your enjoyment.

Stairway By Heaven

This are the escalators into the Broad Marsh shopping centre. Yes, it's another fisheye picture. And yes, they are my feet.

The entrance is off Middle Pavement, and before the shopping centre was built, there was a narrow hilly lane called Drury Hill, that from the old photos that I've seen had shops on it and it was very photogenic; a bit like The Shambles in York.

But it all disappeared in the late 1960s when they started constructing Broad Marsh. The shopping centre is meant to be having a multimillion pound facelift, as it is looking rather tired, and several of the empty shops are boarded up. Plans keep being announced, but nothing has really started yet.