A lot can change in an area in a span of just a few years. Bristol as a whole is rapidly changing which has seen some areas become more desirable and others fade.
One area which has seen a drastic change is that of Shirehampton, located in northwest Bristol. Residents said that the closure of some local shops has made the high street feel like it is on the “decline”.
Empty retail units are scattered across the area and previous big brands which were in the area, including Boots, are no longer there. But the closure of the Super Saver Store has been a big blow according to one local.
The local, who wished to be anonymous, said: “I was sad when the Super Saver Store closed on our high street, it was one of our best local stores and represents a decline of the area as a whole. There’s been so much change in the last few years and I feel like Shirehampton has changed and not for the better.
“I remember when people came from nearby areas to go to our shops and to spend time here. Now it feels a bit quieter and feels less of a high street. But Shirehampton is a great community and is a great place to live.”
The reputation overall of Shirehampton seems to have also changed in recent years as the area has developed. One person we spoke to said: “I live nearby in Lawrence Weston and I thought that Shirehampton was a well-off area. But the empty units tell a different story.
“It used to be a great place to visit for me and my friends. It just has this feeling that it is slowly going downhill and it is a shame. But I’m sure that things will improve again.”
Shirehampton had made headlines in October after a new bench was installed in front of a derelict building. Located on Station Road, the bench overlooks the former florists and nursery which comes with greenhouses.
The bench is faced away from the centre of Shirehampton and instead points more attention to the site of the former Nurserymen Florists. News of the unique positioning of the bench made the rounds on social media at the time.
One commenter said: “That is so bizarre,” and another joked: “I heard it was for the firefighters to sit on while watching the derelict house burn?”
But despite this, the overall vibe of Shirehampton is of an area with a strong community spirit. It had planned to “evolve” into the next North Street, said locals in 2022.
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