Call for memories as date set for Gungate demolition

The Gungate Precinct is set to be knocked down in a few weeks’ time, Tamworth Borough Council and developer Henry Boot Developments have announced.

The demolition date has been fixed for the week commencing 6 September and is expected to take between 12 and 16 weeks to complete.

To celebrate the past, present and future of the town, the Borough Council is asking for people’s memories and pictures of the precinct. The best ones will be printed in the Herald and featured on the Council’s website.

Memories and photos can either be posted or delivered to Marmion House. Alternatively they can be emailed to graphics@tamworth.gov.uk.

The best stories and photos received will be placed into a time capsule and buried either on the new development or under the Gungate clock, which will be re-sited following the demolition.

The precinct will be used as a temporary car park while plans for the new shopping centre are put in place, providing almost 300 extra parking spaces for the town. This new development will bring new jobs, enhance the local economy and giving the town centre a boost.

The shopping centre opened its doors in August 1965 with its official opening in October 1966.  During the last forty years the precinct has seen a wide range of shops, including Housewife’s Choice, Henry Moore’s jewellers, Hindley’s cake shop and the Dragon Chinese restaurant, to name just a few. 

Have your say on the redevelopment on our blog.