Kingfisher Centre in Redditch celebrates 50 years in pictures and palm trees

The Kingfisher Centre in Redditch is celebrating 50 years since it opened its doors with a trip down memory lane.

The retail landmark has opened a free exhibition of photos and old adverts - and it’s even got some palm trees for a real retro touch.

The shopping centre was renowned for its palm trees and fountain which captured the imagination of visitors through the 70s and 80s.

Prime Minister James Callaghan officially opened the centre on September 22, 1976 and notable visitors continued to make a trip to the Kingfisher, with Queen Elizabeth II making an appearance in 1983.

Over the years Kingfisher has welcomed thousands of visitors, and has become an integral part of Redditch’s identity.

The Kingfish exhibition, called Kingfishtory, is in 24 Walford Walk (opposite Clintons) and will run between 11am and 4pm every day until the end of the year. As well as a chronological run through the centre’s big moments, visitors will be able to see the famous people who have passed through Kingfisher’s doors, photos of many of the former shops over the years, old adverts some of which have very much dated, a brand quiz and an opportunity to share your own memories. The return of the palm trees will also be sure to be a draw.

The 50th anniversary celebrations are supported by Redditch Business Improvement District (BID) and are also part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme.

Adrian Field, General Manager at Kingfisher, commented: ‘The ‘Kingfishtory’ exhibition is a tribute to our tenants, shoppers, the wider community of Redditch and we extend our gratitude to Redditch BID for its invaluable support in bringing the celebrations to life. The team here have loved putting the exhibition together in the knowledge that we know that Redditch folk all love to look back and share memories, whether they worked or shopped here.’

Here’s a trip down memory lane with a few of those photos of the Kingfisher Centre in Redditch through the years: