Worcester's Lychgate Mall memories of shopping centre

Lychgate Mall was constructed in the 1960s after the historic Lich Gate was demolished, a transformation that initially drew criticism for its modernist aesthetic.

Though later owners invested heavily in its renovation, the once-busy centre experienced dwindling footfall, finding itself supplanted by Cathedral Square.

Readers have fond memories of the mall and the many shops which have come and gone over the years.

One Facebook user said: "The Green shield stamp shop was there and Mum used to let us choose what to buy once we had filled up a Green shield stamp book. Happy days."

"Worked in Bejam and later managed Cordon Bleu Freezer Centre... happy days," another commented.

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Another reader reminisced about her job in Three Cooks Bakery: "Yep had my first Saturday job there on the corner went on to be assistant manager."

One commenter said: "I worked at the Sainsbury’s there when I was a teenager."

The Russell and Dorrell store, along with the Giffard Hotel, were among the most missed locations.

One reader shared their memories: "Santa's grotto bottom floor of Russell and Dorrells," while another commented: "I remember the plastic ice skating ring before it got fully closed down."

"My mum used to work as the seamstress in Anne of Worcester the bridal shop then when that changed to Happitt she moved to Russell and Dorrell," another commented.

Meanwhile, another declared: "The Giffard Hotel. Fab in its heyday."

One commenter spoke of their grandmother: "My nan used to run the wool stall on black friars market."

When built, it was hailed as an innovative transformation of the city centre following the demolition of the Lich Gate but the centre, which included the still-in-use multi-storey car park, the Giffard Hotel and Russell and Dorrell.

There was even an annual Lychgate Festival, where crowds were kept entertained by a huge variety of acts.

Three decades later, owners London-based MEPC invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in a facelift but sadly, it did not prove the precursor to happier times for the centre as footfall fell.

 Sainsbury's closed its store, Russell & Dorrell left for the Dolday and the number of empty units gradually increased.

Fond memories of the shopping centre reflect a longing for the mall's heyday.

One reader said: "Brings back so many childhood memories", while another fondly added: "Good old days".