Street's Crispin Centre didn't appear overnight. The idea of a pedestrian-friendly shopping precinct in the heart of the village began as far back as 1968, when councillors first debated the merits of removing cars from the High Street.

At the time, the proposal was rejected. Councillors argued that without service access at the rear, pedestrianisation was impractical. Others worried about losing passing trade. Still, the seed had been planted.

The original plans for The Crispin Centre in Street. (BNA)

By the mid-1970s, the conversation had shifted. In 1975, a formal plan was submitted by Street Estates Ltd in partnership with C. & J. Clark Ltd. The site covered 2.5 acres between Crispin Hall and Leigh Road, encompassing old buildings, vacant land and informal car parking. The vision included a 16,000 square foot supermarket, 13,000 square feet of additional retail space, and space for a future restaurant.

Councillors backed the scheme, calling the area "in a disgraceful state" and in need of redevelopment. Planning permission was granted and work began in 1977. The architectural design came from Alec French & Partners, while the construction was handled by Bartlett Builders of Yeovil—also known for restoring the nearby Abbey Farm tithe barn. Their use of Blue Lias stone and red brick helped the new centre blend with the village's older buildings.

Under construction. (BNA)

Opening a new chapter in 1979

The Crispin Centre opened in phases, with shops starting to trade in late 1978 and the official launch in November 1979. The development cost around £1 million—significant for its time—and aimed to revitalise Street's central shopping area.

At the civic opening, Mendip District Council chairwoman Mrs Wilhelmina Pinching called it "an important day for Street". The aim had been to deliver a town centre that met modern retail needs while respecting the heritage of the village. With covered walkways, a mix of unit sizes, and direct links to car parks, the centre was designed to draw shoppers in and keep them there.

From soft furnishings to sports shoes

Over the years, the Crispin Centre became a cornerstone of daily life. Tesco Metro was the anchor, drawing regular footfall from across the area. But it was the smaller shops that made it feel local.

There was London House, with its racks of elegant women's fashion, and The Wardrobe, another style destination. Peppers Café offered hot drinks and a social buzz—a warm welcome before coffee chains arrived. The Weeping Willow sold homewares and furnishings with a handcrafted touch.

THS News, formerly Sperrings, was a daily stop for newspapers and magazines. Street Jewellers took care of birthdays, anniversaries and watch repairs. Ken Nichol's Sports Shop served up boots, kit bags, PE kits and cricket bats for generations of young athletes.

The centre wasn't just a place to shop—it was a place to gather, to loiter, to people-watch. The glass canopy let in the light, and at Christmas, the arcade glowed. Children darted between shops. Teenagers lingered. Grandparents stopped to chat.

Civic pride and careful design

The Crispin Centre was praised for retaining architectural sensitivity. The two-storey layout was shaped to preserve sightlines and connect easily with the rest of the High Street. The builders used Somerset stone, clay tiles and domestic-scaled roofs to reflect Street's traditional style. Even the Crispin mural, commissioned by C. & J. Clark Ltd and created by Philippa Threlfall in 1979, became part of the centre's identity—celebrating local heritage with ceramic scenes of Glastonbury Tor, shoemaking and farming.

A 1981 Mid Somerset Series feature declared Street's High Street one of the best in the region, noting that you could do "a full week's shopping without moving your car." At the time, the centre was home to nearly a dozen retailers and still expanding.

The decline begins

Over time, the rise of out-of-town retail and online shopping began to take a toll. When Tesco Metro closed, the effect was immediate. Footfall collapsed. One by one, tenants moved out. The once-busy arcade grew quiet. By the early 2020s, many of the units were empty.

Insame Games, the last independent trader in the centre, closed in 2023. Its owner blamed falling sales and dwindling foot traffic. The entrance canopy, once an architectural feature, became a magnet for vandalism.

The future: retirement living with a nod to the past

Churchill Retirement Living has now secured approval to redevelop the site. Their plan includes 45 one- and two-bedroom apartments, 11 cottages, landscaped grounds, and energy-efficient features. The project will be aimed at residents aged 60 and over.

Crucially, the plans preserve the Grade II listed Crispin mural. It will remain in its original location, sheltered by a new timber canopy designed to ensure its long-term protection. The developers have also committed to maintaining the pedestrian link to the Southside car park and keeping the service yard for the shopfronts facing the High Street.

Those shops — One Stop, Boots, Specsavers and Poole Resources—will remain open throughout the demolition and construction phases.

The canopy structure at the old High Street entrance will be removed early next year, subject to final approval from Somerset Council. Developers say clearing the entrance will improve the look of the High Street and help draw new residents and visitors into the town centre.

One last look

The Crispin Centre is more than a disused retail block. For decades, it was woven into Street's daily rhythm. It was where people bought shoes, picked up prescriptions, browsed for birthday cards, or simply passed the time.

The plans preserve the Grade II listed Crispin mural (LL/DILY)

And while the future brings new homes and fresh investment, it's worth remembering what came before: the vision of 1970s planners, the bustle of the 1980s arcade, and the memories left in shopfronts long since shuttered.

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