THEN AND NOW: How Skegness’ shopping centre is making new memories

As shops in the Hildreds shopping centre in Skegness celebrate bucking the national trend over the festive period, with an average rise in takings of 20 per cent, some readers have been feeling a little nostalgic.
The former Hildreds Hotel, which was demolished to make way for the Hildreds Centre in Skegness. ANL-191101-152810001The former Hildreds Hotel, which was demolished to make way for the Hildreds Centre in Skegness. ANL-191101-152810001
The former Hildreds Hotel, which was demolished to make way for the Hildreds Centre in Skegness. ANL-191101-152810001

Photographs posted on the Best of Skegness and Lincolnshire Facebook page, taken before the original buildings were demolished to make way for the shopping centre, sparked a number of comments from people who remember those days. The site dates back to 1811 when the former Hildreds Hotel was known as the New Inn.

It changed its name when Joseph and Sarah Hildred took it over in 1828, when it was still surrounded by pasture land owned by the Earl of Scarbrough. Following her husband’s death, the inn was run by Sarah Hildred, until 1873, when it was renamed the Hildreds Hotel. In 1987, it was demolished to build the Hildreds Shopping Centre.

Features from the former Hildteds Hotel have been incorporated into the new Hildreds Shopping Centre in Skegness. ANL-191101-152634001Features from the former Hildteds Hotel have been incorporated into the new Hildreds Shopping Centre in Skegness. ANL-191101-152634001
Features from the former Hildteds Hotel have been incorporated into the new Hildreds Shopping Centre in Skegness. ANL-191101-152634001

Steve Andrews, manager of the shopping centre, said: “The Hildreds Centre has many features that mimic the hotel, like the small gable above the window on the front.

“Next time you are in the Hildreds look on the wall between JD Sports and Sports Direct and you will see a brass plaque that will tell you lots about its history.”

Julie Sadler commented: “I think ,if my memory serves me right, Tonglets was on the right, which is now Hog Roast. I liked Mr Tonglet, a Councillor and Mayor of our Town.”

Wendy Cassidy said: “I remember the Hildreds Hotel as a teenager. And opposite where the ice cream kiosk is now was underground toilets.”

Manager Steve Andrews inside Hildreds Shopping Centre in Skegness. ANL-191101-163321001Manager Steve Andrews inside Hildreds Shopping Centre in Skegness. ANL-191101-163321001
Manager Steve Andrews inside Hildreds Shopping Centre in Skegness. ANL-191101-163321001

The Hildreds Centre now has 30 shops - with announcements soon about two new ones taking the vacant units.

The first event at Easter will have the theme ‘Tiger Came for Tea’ and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the book as well as raising funds for Nigel the Puma, who is going blind and needs sensory accomodation at the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park.

Mr Andrews said: “After a successful festive period we are making new memories now for 2019 and have some exciting announcements.”