Angry locals versus big developers has always been a common trope in local news. But once the developments go ahead, the voices of passionate objectors fade away as they are forced to accept the changes to something they cared so deeply about. Yet, more than 25 years after protesters argued against the construction of the swanky Princesshay shopping centre we know today, it now feels like perhaps their warnings should have been heeded.
In the late 1990s, they carried signs that warned Exeter's "heart" was being "ripped out" and that its replacement would be "too big". "Refurbish not demolish," they cried. The Princesshay of the 90s was home to many smaller, independent businesses.
Today some of the world's biggest brands operate from huge, glass-fronted shop units. ⚠️ Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️ While it does feel quite glamorous to wander through, there's a big elephant in the room - or should I say, in the shopping centre. What on earth is going to happen to that huge Debenhams unit? And when? Of course Exeter isn't unique in the Debenhams conundrum - many lie empty across the country - but what is unique, is the sheer size of it.
Even back in 2007, when it had only j.