2024 has been a year of significant milestones, challenges, and exciting new beginnings for Pescod Square Shopping Centre. This year, we proudly celebrated the 20th anniversary of the shopping centre, a remarkable achievement and a reflection of its vital role at the heart of Boston’s town centre. Over the past two decades, Pescod Square has become more than just a shopping destination; it’s a place where our community comes together to shop, socialise, and create lasting memories.
One of the most exciting developments this year was welcoming GloGolf to the centre. This fantastic addition has brought a vibrant, family-friendly activity to the heart of Boston, offering something new and exciting for locals and visitors alike. It’s already proving to be a hit and is helping to diversify what Pescod Square has to offer. GloGolf has injected new energy into the centre, and I’m confident it will continue to contribute positively to footfall and community engagement.
Another highlight of the year was our incredibly successful Christmas Light Switch-On, last week, which drew huge crowds and filled the square with festive cheer. Seeing families, children, and visitors enjoy the evening, especially meeting Bluey and Bingo, was heartwarming and a reminder of the joy community events can bring. These moments show how important it is to create experiences that go beyond shopping, helping to strengthen the bonds within our town.
Of course, the year hasn’t been without its challenges. At the very beginning of 2024, we were saddened to see HMV close its doors again, a reflection of the ongoing shift in consumer habits and the challenges faced by retailers across the UK. The growth of online shopping continues to transform the retail landscape, and I remain deeply concerned about the future of high streets, not just in Boston but across the country. There’s a real risk that if these habits persist, town centres like ours could face an uncertain future.
Another challenge has been addressing anti-social behaviour, an issue affecting many shopping centres across the country. We have been working closely with the council and local police, implementing a number of initiatives to combat this and create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. From increased security measures to community outreach programs, we’re committed to ensuring that Pescod Square remains a positive space for shoppers, visitors, and businesses alike.
That being said, I remain positive. It’s encouraging to see Pescod Square bustling with activity, filled with shoppers and visitors enjoying the unique experiences that only a physical shopping centre can provide. The joy of discovering something special in-store, interacting with friendly staff, and simply enjoying the atmosphere of a vibrant precinct are things that online shopping can never truly replicate.
Looking ahead to 2025, we have exciting plans to ensure Pescod Square remains a fantastic location for Boston. We’re actively negotiating with prospective tenants to fill our vacant units and are optimistic about welcoming new businesses to the centre. We’re also working on new initiatives to enhance the experience for visitors, ensuring that Pescod Square continues to be a place where people want to spend their time, not just to shop but to enjoy everything the town centre has to offer.
As we reflect on the past year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has made 2024 such a memorable year. To our customers, thank you for your continued support and for choosing Pescod Square as your destination. Your loyalty and enthusiasm inspire us to keep moving forward. To our shop staff, thank you for your dedication, hard work, and passion, which make every visit to Pescod Square a great experience for our customers.
And finally, a huge thank you to my incredible team: Joe Joe, Michelle, Steve, John, and Dayle. Your commitment, creativity, and teamwork have been the driving force behind everything we’ve achieved this year. From planning major events like the Christmas Light Switch-On to ensuring the centre runs smoothly day-to-day, I couldn’t do this without you. You’ve gone above and beyond to make 2024 a success, and I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.
As we step into 2025, I look forward to building on this year’s successes and overcoming the challenges ahead. With the continued support of our community, retailers, and team, I’m confident that Pescod Square will remain a thriving and vibrant hub for Boston for many years to come. Here’s to a bright and successful 2025!
