Bristol Broadwalk Shopping Centre, a landmark retail destination since 1974, is set to close permanently next month. The last remaining store, a Superdrug branch, will shut its doors on Saturday, July 11, 2026, allowing demolition plans to proceed. The closure marks the end of an era for the 52-year-old complex, once home to over 40 shops.
Final Store Closure Triggers Demolition
The health and beauty retailer's departure will be followed by the demolition of the entire shopping centre, including the multi-storey car park, bingo venue, and snooker hall. An Iceland supermarket at the site had already closed in January 2026. Staff at Superdrug thanked customers for their "support and loyalty over the years," according to Bristol Live.
Security Concerns Ahead of Demolition
In the interim, security at the site will be increased due to concerns about break-ins, theft, and anti-social behaviour. The Broadwalk Shopping Centre occupies a large area in the Knowle suburb of Bristol, stretching from Wells Road to Redcatch Park.
Redevelopment Plans Evolve
Plans for the site were first unveiled in 2018, proposing 850 flats in ten-storey blocks near the park. Local residents challenged the plan, raising funds for a legal challenge that forced a compromise. The revised scheme includes smaller-scale tower blocks on Wells Road and townhouses near Redcatch Park.
Historical Significance
When it opened in 1974, Broadwalk Shopping Centre was the first and largest retail venue in Bristol, holding that title until The Galleries opened in the city centre in 1991. Its closure represents a significant shift in the retail landscape of the area.
