This postcard shows Billingham Town Centre sometime in the 1960s, there is the number BLM67 which could be the actual year… the roof of the Forum is just visible and this opened in about 1967.
Interestingly the first three shops to the left of the image are Woolworths, Freeman Hardy and Willis and Dewhursts all of which were part of the first phase of the town centre in the early 1950s, all of these chains have since disappeared from the high street, other shops that were originally there have also gone forever, the likes of Timothy White’s, Mac Fisheries, Home And Colonial, Meadow Dairies, Radio Rentals and Chain Libraries as well as many independent shops whose names I can’t remember.
Image and details courtesy of Bruce Coleman.
Anyone remember the name of the toy shop at the top of the circular ramp?
I remember it being called “The Copper-Topped Pram Ramp”
There is a movie showing the building and opening of Billingham Forum with some frames of the Town Centre. http://dirtymodernscoundrel.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/billingham-icis-new-town.htmil
Leeds Building Society was there I recall
Does anyone know which building socities, other than Darlington BS, were in Billingham town centre?.
Although Timothy Whites name disappeared from the High Street it was due to them being taken over by Boots unlike Woolworths, Freeman Hardy and Willis, and Dewhursts who all went out of business.
The town centre in it’s heyday. And look at all the people!
Loved the picture as I can see my flat which looked up toward the nightclub Ronde.
Glenice
Knew a Dougie Park from Stockton Grammar School back in the day. Any relation?
No sorry