Yesterday we visited Tobacco Dock, the defunct shopping centre in the middle of Wapping. It’s a strange site, as this shopping complex was developed from the old dock buildings back in 1992, which unfortunately coincided with the slump in the financial markets at the beginning of the nineties. The complex was only occupied for a short time, and conversion into a centre for ‘outlet’ stores subsequently failed. It looks as good as ever because the place is cleaned and maintained and has full-time security, but no other occupiers have ever been found, other than Frank & Stein’s sandwich bar, which has been there since the complex opened! When we went on Saturday afternoon, the complex was closed up but I understand that if you go on a weekday you can wander around the empty centre…
From Tobacco Dock … |
Back in December of last year, the centre did host the after-show party for the premier of The Golden Compass however, so it does occasionally see some use. It’s very sad as it looks much nicer than most of the frankly grotty shopping centres around town…