I haven't been down to Princes St in a while. Today, I saw that there are five empty shops in a row towards the West End. The biggest of them used to be Zavvi (for a short while) and the Virgin Megastore (for many years prior to that). It closed about a year ago. The rumour was that it was going to be an Apple Store, but the latest gossip seems to be that Apple wouldn't be interested in opening in Edinburgh anytime soon, not until the tramworks have finished...
The shop to the left of this is also closed, but there is shopfitting work going on.
The three to the right are vacant. I think they most recently sold tourist tat and other varieties of crap. One of them had a planning application notice in the window, suggesting that the building might be converted into a hotel...
The city centre is such a bloody mess at the moment.
I bumped into Tonto on the way back to the office. If you're reading this - great to see you again! We really must do it properly sometime.
Let Glasgow Flourish
5 days ago
I guess that they will not be the last. The new tram system should help (for the cost!) The only tramway I have seen in this country is the Manchester system and that seems to work ok.
ReplyDeleteI can remember when we still have trolley buses in Newcastle. What an admission!!
Great image. It's bad that so many shops are closed. The tramworks have really done a lot of damage. Nearly the weekend! x
ReplyDeleteMaybe when the tram line is working things will be better, but it doesn't sound good. Is it because of the recession, too? The only tram lines I know are in Montpellier and they work really well there - much easier than driving into the city. I like your five people in a row shot.
ReplyDeleteyou should see Whitley Bay.....5 in a row, tame! Seriously though, it's sad, no matter where....great gaping holes in what were once vibrant places.
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