Forum Topic

Work Starts on New Look Arcadia Centre

Apologies if this isn't the most constructive post. It's more of a resigned sigh of disaffection actually. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way about Ealing's latest 'Retail destination' - a triptych of a gigantic Morrison's, TK Maxx and McDonalds, all under one roof. The colour, creativity, diversity and cultural uplift this magnificent new arrangement will surely bring to our dear town will surely be immeasurable. I.e. - non-existent. We're still waiting for the 'cultural quarter' to come about after how many years now? Seven? Yet they can fling this hideous life-draining crap up in the wink of an eye. Right next to a shopping centre that's got EIGHT mobile phone shops in it. I dunno....maybe it's misplaced nostalgia, but I used to really like going to Ealing. It used to have some interesting diversions in it. Too bad it's a fallen world...

Glenn Rice ● 4562d18 Comments

I must say the designer's impression of what the revamped Arcadia Centre will look like looks incredibly dull. It looks a bit Soviet bloc to me.

John Walker ● 4560d

During those 33 years, which shops/stores do you miss most?  Has Ealing's shopping experiences improved or gone down the proverbial in your time in Ealing?

Gerry Tan ● 4560d

I have a quarter of a century on you and it was a fine store which, and you are right, descended into a shambles of franchises.Unlike Rowse's in west Ealing which was good until it closed.

Nigel Brooks ● 4560d

John Sanders was never a fine department store in the 33 years I've lived round here. It was like a badly organised jumble sale.

Susan Kelly ● 4560d

Shame it wasn't developed as an upmarket market hall. Now that would be an asset

Keith Mason ● 4560d

Yes. But still better than the discount shops, was my point.

Anna Henderson ● 4561d

There’s a TK maxx on Kensington High Street, for example. There’s a McDonalds everywhere. And as for a supermarket…Exactly, Ealing is simply another 'clone' High Street with nothing to attract shoppers from other areas.

Nigel Brooks ● 4561d

There’s a TK maxx on Kensington High Street, for example. There’s a McDonalds everywhere. And as for a supermarket…I don’t think you can say that these stores are worse than what was there before? Ealing clearly seems to be unable to attract a large amount of decent stores. I would rather have all of the above than the ‘everything for £5’ clothing stores that we seem to have a lot of. With their horrible neon signs and ‘discount’ posters all over.

Anna Henderson ● 4561d

It is indeed Andy and opposite, where M&S is now was John Sanders another fine department store.

Nigel Brooks ● 4561d

Not really.TK Max = discount clothes store,McD's = oh goody, another fa(s)t food outlet,Morrison = a supermarket.Hardly a compelling reason to come to Ealing is it?

Nigel Brooks ● 4561d

But still, isn't this better than all the lovely discount clothing and mobile accessories shops like 'Purple', 'Glance', etc that are all over the high street at the moment?

Anna Henderson ● 4561d

so is that the junction with Springbridge Rd where Arcadia is now?

Andy Vaughan ● 4561d

Great old photo of Bentall's store (next to Christ's Curch) Ealing. There was a very good food dept in Bentall's that stocked a variety of provisions which few other shops used to carry. eg: various candied fruit peel, Gentleman's Relish, smoked fish from east coast of Scotland and kippers, salt beef and lots more. Thanks for posting this old photo - I miss the corner of the Uxbridge Road!

Gerry Tan ● 4561d

Bring back Bentalls (the original - not the one in the centre)

David P Archer ● 4562d

Have to agree Glenn, underwhelming.

Nigel Brooks ● 4562d

I think its a bit rich to call it a retail destination! Its just the same shops (well, less. But with a supermarket..)But the arcadia centre is a it of a dump, so its really just smartening it up. This is not going to change the way people live and work in Ealing, so in that context its a good thing I guess. Interested to see whats happening to the clock though....

Tom Clifford ● 4562d

But save the clock tower, or the clock. Very much part of Ealing for me when I'm upstairs on the 207!

Michael Wale ● 4562d

Let's hope the new gigantic Morrison's supermarket will be stiff competition for Tesco's, M&S, Waitrose and the rest, so that prices come down. Nothing like healthy competition to concentrate the mind!

Gerry Tan ● 4562d