The Bargate Shopping Centre, once a popular spot in Southampton, now stands transformed, its former footprint a construction zone heralding a new era. 

The year was 1989 when the intriguing shopping destination first opened its doors. 

It proudly bore the name of the city's truly iconic Bargate monument, lending an air of established heritage to the new commercial venture.

Within its walls, the Bargate Shopping Centre offered an eclectic and memorable mix of retail experiences and entertainment.

Beyond a convenient eatery and a then-novel internet café found in the main atrium , the complex was a treasure trove of diverse outlets. 

Shoppers could browse the latest surf and skate wear at Quicksilver, get their gaming fix at Game, discover alternative fashion at the aptly named Alternate clothing store, or even get some new ink at Lucky's tattoo parlour. 

Adding to its unique character was a curated collection of specialist stores, a deliberate strategy to carve out a niche. 

This included forward-thinking technology-related shops, a pampering nail salon, and a creative photographic studio, catering to specific interests and needs.

For many, the centre was synonymous with fun and leisure. Who could forget the electric atmosphere of Sega World - also known as Sega Park? 

It became a legendary spot where countless visitors, particularly younger crowds, gathered for hours of gaming excitement from 1999 until the centre's final days. 

Others would make a beeline for a delicious, frothy treat from ShakeAway, or simply enjoy the thrill of exploring the varied collection of shops housed within the bustling complex. 

The glass floors on the top level were another quirky feature; a bit of a novelty when new, allowing daring shoppers a glimpse of the activity on the floor below, though their initial shine reportedly wore off over time.

However, the retail landscape is ever-changing. 

The arrival of the much larger Westquay shopping centre in 2000, coupled with existing competition from The Marlands, presented a formidable challenge. 

The Bargate Shopping Centre, with its specialist focus, found it increasingly difficult to compete.

Its unique appeal began to wane as shopper footfall dwindled, leading to a gradual but inevitable decline that saw traders reluctantly closing their units one by one.

By the time mid-April of 2013 arrived, an air of melancholy had settled over the once-lively centre. Every shop had emptied out, leaving it a veritable "ghost town". 

The formal closure followed on June 10, 2013. Yet, the physical structure remained standing for several more years, a silent reminder of its past vibrancy, until November 24, 2017, when the process of demolition finally commenced.

Now, ambitious and dedicated efforts are well underway to completely transform this historic site. The vision is to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly street, a key component of a comprehensive revitalisation project breathing new life into the surrounding vicinity. This exciting new chapter is known as the Bargate Quarter development. 

The plans are impressive, promising a thoughtfully designed mix of 519 modern residential apartments and townhouses, alongside 2,515 square metres of new retail and commercial space. Crucially, the development will feature beautifully landscaped open spaces and a new park, all meticulously planned to celebrate and showcase Southampton's rich history and heritage, particularly the magnificent medieval city walls that were hidden by the shopping centre for so long.

Which shops from the old Bargate Shopping Centre do you remember most fondly? Let us know in the comments below.