Carillon Court in Loughborough may face demolition soon

Residents in Loughborough, Leicestershire, expressed concern after hearing that the Carillon Court shopping centre may be demolished. This popular mall, which opened in 1971, was a thriving destination in the 90s but has since seen many shops close. Locals fear that demolishing the shopping centre could "completely destroy" the town center. There are worries that the site might be replaced with student housing. Many community members describe this potential change as a "disgrace" and "destroying" for the area, emphasizing the need for more retail options. Plans for the demolition have been submitted to Charnwood Borough Council. If approved, the demolition could start between May 18 and October 31, 2025. Some nearby business owners, like Iain Lister, worry that construction could disrupt deliveries and safety exits. In a broader context, the retail sector in the UK is facing tough times. The British Retail Consortium predicts a £2.3 billion impact from a tax hike on employers. They expect many shops to close, with around 17,350 locations at risk this year. Rising living costs and a shift to online shopping have significantly affected retailers. In 2024, over 13,000 shops closed, marking a 28% increase from the previous year. The situation is set to worsen in 2025 with predictions of up to 202,000 job losses in the retail sector. Many retailers are struggling to keep their doors open amid rising costs and changing shopping habits.