Memories of'disaster' shopping centre

CROWDS “clapped and cheered” as the life of an unloved shopping precinct came to a dramatic end

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Generations of Greater Manchester shoppers will remember the widely regarded “disaster” that was St Peter’s Precinct.

Built in 1967, it was at the time Oldham’s flagship retail destination and provided subway access to Henshaw Street, Cheapside and Market Street.

In 1968, a new Tesco supermarket was opened in the precinct by the Liverpool comedian Ken Dodd. It was also the location of the town’s main Post Office and the still fondly remembered Piazza Cafe.

But it wasn’t long after it was built that the flaws in its design became painfully apparent.