STAR readers have been sharing their memories of the Hardshaw Centre after its closing date this Saturday was announced.

The shopping centre, which has served the borough since it opened in the spring of 1982, is set to be bulldozed as part of St Helens’ regeneration plans.

The Hardshaw Centre closes on SaturdayThe Hardshaw Centre closes on Saturday (Image: St Helens Star)

It will be flattened under the first phase of the town centre redevelopment, which is a partnership project by the English Cities Fund and St Helens Borough Council.

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The vast majority of stores in the Hardshaw Centre have been relocated to Church Square Shopping Centre.The seating at the Hardshaw Centre was a popular meeting place in years gone byThe seating at the Hardshaw Centre was a popular meeting place in years gone by (Image: St Helens Council)

It was announced yesterday that One Below will be closing on Saturday, the final retailer at the Hardshaw Centre, which will relocate into the former H&M unit.

Enabling works will commence, stripping out the interior of the 115,000 sq ft Centre, disconnecting all of the utilities and installing hoarding to ensure that the site remains safe and secure.

Then the full-scale demolition of the Hardshaw Centre will take place.

'KES' the Kid-Eating Snake at the Hardshaw Centre is a fondly remembered feature'KES' the Kid-Eating Snake at the Hardshaw Centre is a fondly remembered feature (Image: St Helens Council)

Star readers have been sharing their memories of the shopping centre on our social media pages in the wake of the announcement of its closing date.

The centre was a popular meeting place for shoppers over the years, and residents have fond memories of features such as the Kid-Eating Snake (KES) children's slide.

'Lots of happy memories, end of an era'

Fiona Maxwell said: "I’m very nostalgic when I remember it’s heyday but it’s time to move on".

Sam Palmer added: "Sad, I remember ball shoes, what everyone wants, Woolworths, I remember getting my Christmas dress from Adams, having lunch with Nan and mum in country larder, the Christmas grotto growing up, the wooden snake, my Nan was always in there and it was the meeting place I would meet mum before she passed outside Farmfoods, lots of happy memories, end of an era".

Lee Marsh said: "Worked near here for many years when it was packed out! (St Mary's arcade) I remember it took you such a long time to walk from one end to the other, due to the amount of people shopping! Such a shame".

Simon James added: "I've spent my last seconds in there. Shame it's closing this weekend. RIP Hardshaw Centre".