The land the centre occupies was subjected to extensive redevelopment during 1977 – 1979. The following properties previously occupied the site, running west from Logan Street to Craig Street was the Post Office, then a long tenement called Central Buildings in which was located the Co-op Chemist. Harpers Garage was situated on the other corner of Craig’s Street, followed by a small tenement containing 2 shops with 4 houses above. Adjacent to this was a 3 storey building known as Whifflet Place and final, next to it, Low Blantyre Primary School (Stonefield Primary or Stonefield Parish Primary School) at the corner of Victoria Street.
The purpose built Clydeview Shopping Centre enjoys a frontage to Glasgow Road with extensive free car parking facilities to the rear. Today, the centre is anchored by ASDA, other occupiers include The Royal Bank of Scotland, Betfred, Greggs, Cheque Centre, Glen Travel, Optical Express, Blantyre Library, Marie Curie, B2B Hair styling, Kaos skateshop, Mandarin Royale Chinese Takeaway, The Curry House, Community Links, the Salvation Army, the Laundry Co, as well as Pappy’s Smokehouse and a couple of local lawyers offices.
Sadly, many of the available units are still unoccupied, as has been the case for several decades. The retail units have anodised display frontages with matching doors protected by roller shutters. Sizes range from 1212 sq ft/112.6 sq m to 3780 sq ft/ 351.2 sq m over 2 floors. Former businesses at Clydeview Shopping Centre include Abbey National, Caspers Nighclub, Stefanos Pizza shop, Craft at Home, a pound shop called “Quids in” and Jem Carpets / Hawkhead Carpets. Leases have proven to be expensive, business rates extortionate by comparison to other local towns, resulting in many of the units still being unoccupied in 2016.
Whats your memories of the former shops? Any I should add to the list?
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