Remember when? Step back in time with 50 years of Exeter shopping centre

As the Guildhall Shopping Centre approaches its 50th birthday, we’re looking back on its past through a series of photos from its opening in the 1970s to now.

1970s

The Guildhall Shopping Centre opened in Exeter in 1976, on a site that had been home to an open market since 1838 - the Higher Market on Queen’s Street.

The image below shows the shopping centre’s first floor gallery in the refurbished Higher Market. It was published in a 1976 brochure advertising its opening. Do you recognise any of the shops?

1980s

This festive photo was taken in the mid 1980s. If you look closely, you can see WHSmith - now TGJones - and Westons Chemists.

1990s

This photo was taken on November 19, 1992, after shoppers had left for the evening.

2000s

By the 2000s, the Guildhall Shopping Centre had become a big part of people’s everyday lives.

This image from 2006 shows just how much things have (or haven’t!) changed.

2010s

This photo was taken in 2010. It offers an interesting contrast between the building’s historic Victorian façade and the more modern shopping centre.

2020s

The Guildhall Shopping Centre adapted fast when the Covid lockdown came around. It introduced signage and one way systems - while still trying to keep its warm, festive feel, as shown in this image from Christmas 2020.

What will the next 50 years look like?