Step back in time to 1993 with a series of never-before-seen photos that reveal the vibrant heart of Harrow Town Centre.
Among the collection are images of St Anns Shopping Centre, which at the time was the only shopping centre in the area, and St Anns Road, which still thrives today, as we know you are aware!
The photos capture a snapshot of life in Harrow 30 years ago, showcasing the stores and businesses that thrived in the shopping centre at the time. A closer look at the images reveals shops like Dixons, Dolcis, and other familiar names that have since been replaced by newer establishments. It’s a nostalgic look back at the town centre’s past, and a reminder of how much has changed since then.
The photos were taken three years before the neighbouring St George’s shopping centre was built, which now sits just a stone’s throw away from St Anns. The contrast between the two centres is striking, and it’s fascinating to see how much the area has evolved since the early ’90s.
But that’s not all that was happening in 1993. Here are some other random news items and songs that were released in that year:
- In the world of sports, Manchester United won the English Premier League for the first time in 26 years.
- The hit movie “Jurassic Park” was released, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
- The popular sitcom “Friends” made its debut on television, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon.
- The legendary Whitney Houston released her hit single “I Will Always Love You”, which topped the charts for weeks on end.
- Other chart-topping songs that year included “What Is Love” by Haddaway, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” by Meat Loaf, and “Boom! Shake the Room” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
Whether you were shopping at River Island for a jacket (remember that?) or buying your first pair of jeans at TopMan, St Anns Shopping Centre was a great place to visit back in the day – it even had its own Spud-U-Like which is sadly no more.
Several shops on St Anns Road have also undergone significant changes over the years. In particular, stores such as Curry’s, Mancini Sports, Our Price, Mothercare, and The Early Learning Centre are no longer present in the area, having been replaced by newer establishments that better meet the changing needs and interests of the community.
Despite these changes, the town centre remains a hub of activity, offering a diverse range of shops, markets, cafes, and restaurants that cater to the needs of both locals and visitors. From the latest fashion trends to unique gifts and artisanal foods, there’s always something to discover and enjoy on St Anns Road.
As we look back on these photos from Harrow Town Centre in 1993, it’s clear that much has changed in the past three decades. But even as the town centre continues to evolve, it remains a vital hub of activity for the local community.
If you have any old photos of Harrow you would like to share with our team, we would love to see them! you can get in touch via info@harrowonline.org.
