The Regent Arcade in Cheltenham has, in the past, been described as "a Cathedral of shopping" because of its 600 foot high barrel roof. It was built between 1982 and 1984, opened in 1985 and cost £23 million. With 78 shops under cover it soon became the most popular shopping centre in town, although before its construction it had considerable opposition with a petition against it of over 20,000 signatures. More recently the building has been in the news, and a topic of much debate, due to the current owners redevelopment plans. The most controversial being the replacement of the roof. Plans have been passed by Cheltenham Borough Council for the removal of the present one and a flat glass roof to be put in its place. Its hard to imagine what the Regent Arcade will look like without its most impressive feature but its going to happen in 2008.
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3 comments:
Why can't politicians and the like leave a good thing well alone? Grrrr! This is too beautiful to be replaced.
Yes it's a shame...but we have to admit that the Regent Arcade is very dated for a shopping centre...especially in a town that is famed for it's so-called shopping! Do hope they won't touch the wishing fish clock though!!
Cool photo!!
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