As Swan Walk reaches its 50th birthday, we are reflecting back on five decades in Horsham and all the changes along the way.
We caught up with Centre Manager Gill Buchanan and the team to discuss how the centre has developed over the years. Gill has worked at Swan Walk for just over 30 years and in her time has witnessed the centre’s transformation first-hand. She shares her thoughts on the most significant changes.
“So much has changed over the years, yet we still have many stores who have been in the centre for decades. The biggest change was having been open to the elements from 1975, we became an indoor shopping centre in 1989. Over half a century all our shopping habits have changed, and Swan Walk has updated and refreshed itself to reflect that. Our customers have seen larger stores being created including M&S on the old Capital Theatre site, Next, Sports Direct and H&M and many of our customers will remember the works being undertaken while we kept the centre open for all. These bigger brands trade alongside our strong range of independent stores and as well as great shopping you can now also enjoy an escape room, have your coat altered or visit a soft play centre plus there are so many more choices of places to meet family and friends for a coffee and a catch up.
Our place, and the responsibility that comes with that, being right at the heart of the town centre and the wider community is very important to us. We support and have supported may local charities and groups over the years and now also look much more at supporting the environment than was the case for us all 50 years ago, whether that be water harvesting for the customer toilets, a water bottle refill tap, bird boxes across our roof areas or the bees we hosted for many years.
We pride ourselves on the customer service we offer, and I am very lucky to have an incredible team on site, many who have worked with and alongside me for many years too. We were particularly delighted to be able to extend and refurbish our customer toilets which now also include a Changing Places facility, more Accessible toilets and parent and baby changing in both main toilet areas as well at the Parent & Baby Changing Room.
As we head into the next decade, I am sure there will be lots of exciting plans and changes at Swan Walk as well as within the wider Horsham community.
We’re committed to remaining a vibrant hub for shopping and the community. Our mix of independent and national brands creates a unique local shopping experience, and we will continue to look to support the community in every way that we are able.”
Community Celebrations
We’re kicking off Swan Walk’s 50th birthday celebrations this Valentine’s Day with a heartwarming campaign inspired by a bit of history.
Back in 1975, the Guardian launched its popular Valentine’s message service, allowing readers to share their affections through personal ads. We’re bringing this concept to Horsham with a modern twist. We’re inviting our community to submit messages to their loved ones – be it partners, friends, family, or even favourite local spots. Selected messages will be displayed at the centre, showcasing the romantic side of Horsham and officially launching our 50th birthday festivities.
To participate in this special initiative and help us celebrate Swan Walk’s golden year, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for submission details. We’re looking forward to seeing in your stories!
This is just the start of our anniversary celebrations. We have events planned throughout the year to remember our history, celebrate our present, and look to our future. We want to thank the Horsham community for their support over the past 50 years and look forward to seeing you at Swan Walk very soon.
Here’s to another 50 years of Swan Walk!
