Beloved shopping centre open for 50 years on the brink of collapse - 'it’s heartbreaking'
Business owners say they have been left without clear answers about what will happen next.
A shopping centre that has served its community for more than 50 years could be at risk of closing, with local businesses and visitors left fearing for its future. Concerns have been raised about the long-term survival of The Lochs shopping centre in Easterhouse, Glasgow. The centre has been described as a “lifeline” for many in the area, but rising costs and empty units have put its future in doubt.
Business owners say they have been left without clear answers about what will happen next. Some claim they have been told the centre will shut, but no timeline has been confirmed. Others say a lack of investment has made it harder for shops to survive and attract new tenants.
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One café owner said the situation has left many feeling uncertain and frustrated.
Sammy Goodwin, whose family run Wee Betty’s Café, told the Glasgow Times: “We’ve been told that the centre will shut at some point, but we have no idea when that will be.”
She added that businesses feel “completely in the dark” despite asking for clarity.
“It’s heartbreaking because we still have two years left on our lease and we have a successful venture that’s right in the heart of the community,” she said.
She explained that the café plays an important role in bringing people together, especially for elderly residents who rely on it for social interaction.
Sammy said the café hosts events and supports customers who may otherwise feel isolated, adding that losing it would have a serious impact on the community.
The centre was taken over by City Property in 2016, with findings showing it requires significant repair and refurbishment.
However, a high number of empty units has meant there is not enough rental income to fund improvements.
Business owners say this has affected the centre in recent years. Sammy also said previous events, including markets, had stopped due to rising costs and a lack of investment, adding that there is “no real desire” to turn things around.
Local residents have also raised concerns about what the closure could mean for the area.
Betty Connolly, 79, said the centre has helped her feel less isolated and described it as being like a “second family”.
She told the Glasgow Times: “If the centre shuts, I don’t know what I will do.”
GMB convenor Chris Mitchell also backed calls for clarity, urging action to protect the centre.
He told the Glasgow Times the situation is “both worrying and incredibly sad” and called for more honesty about its future.
He added that the centre has been a key part of the community for decades and remains an important place for social interaction.
A spokesperson for City Property Glasgow (Investments) LLP said they are keen to work with tenants.
They added: “Trading conditions across the retail sector continue to be challenging and we fully appreciate that our tenants at The Lochs, and also the wider community, are affected and concerned about this.
“As part of our investments in recent years, new doors and over door heaters have been installed to minimise heat loss. CPGI will continue to review issues raised by our tenants and will aim to offer solutions where feasible.
“Our agents continue to market the available units and are offering flexible terms with the aim of stabilising vacancy rates.”
