Managers at a shopping centre that has been left almost derelict after the Covid 19 pandemic have vowed to “turn it around”. Runcorn Shopping City in Cheshire has been plagued with boarded-up shops and unattractive walkways after shops failed to reopen following the pandemic. But managers are hoping to turn it around as they open up a new NHS Health Hub which is the first of its kind in the UK.

Halton Health Hub was created in partnership with Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, making it easier and more accessible for patients to attend appointments.

The hub offers dietetic, orthoptic and audiology services, as well as flu and Covid jabs, blood tests and out of hour extended GP access.

Dave Pearman, the shopping centre’s manager, told Runcorn and Widnes World: “Following the Covid-19 pandemic, so much in the world has changed, and this obviously includes the retail landscape.

“People shop in different ways, with a heavy shift to online and the need for community services heightening.

“At Runcorn Shopping City, we are on a path to repositioning our offerings tailored to the needs of the local community. Easier access to medical appointments and in-person help to speak with an expert around citizen’s advice issues are services that are much needed and have been so positively received by Runcorn’s residents.

“Furthermore, the importance of engaging with others, not isolating ourselves and socialising is a large part of what we are building here.

“We realise shopping centres are no longer just places to shop, as they allow us to catch up with friends and family, meet colleagues for work meetings over a coffee, keep fit and so much more.

“We fully acknowledge Runcorn Shopping City may not be the same as it was previously, but it should not be because we are adapting, evolving and focussed on serving the needs of the local community.”

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Recent Google reviews reveal the true extent of the lack of shops, with numerous people warning others “not to go” to the shopping centre “unless absolutely necessary”.

One person wrote: “Don’t bother. This place is the pits. No good shops to speak of. I only go in there when I really have to. Outdated and no atmosphere. The only positive thing is the free parking.”

Another said: “How long have we got to wait for the removal of the 3m x 4m approx piece of industrial plywood on Costa Coffee window. It makes the City look scruffy unkept and third rate.”

While a third added: “Lots of empty units.”

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