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10 signs you shopped at the Wellgate in the 1980s

Writer: Andrew BatchelorAndrew Batchelor
The Wellgate pictured in 1981. (Picture: University of Dundee Archive Services)
The Wellgate pictured in 1981. (Picture: University of Dundee Archive Services)

For many Dundonians, the Wellgate Centre in the 1980s wasn’t just a shopping destination - it was a cultural landmark.


Whether you were there for a weekly shop, a bit of fun, or just to soak up the atmosphere, here are 10 signs you were a Wellgate regular back in the day.


1. You went straight to the top floor to watch the iconic clock come to life: Forget shopping - your first stop was always the Wellgate Clock. When the animals moved and the bells chimed, it felt like pure magic.


2. You threw pennies into the Wellgate fountain and made wishes: No trip was complete without tossing a coin into the fountain, hoping for good luck or maybe just a new toy.


3. You visited Tesco for the weekly shop: Before Tesco superstores were everywhere, the Wellgate’s Tesco was the go-to spot for groceries - dragging along the kids whether they liked it or not!


4. You used the ramp in the centre for buggy races: Originally built for accessibility, this ramp quickly became a makeshift race track for kids -,and sometimes adults who should have known better.


5. You visited the Market Hall and bought clothes from Hustlers: The Market Hall had everything, but if you wanted trendy clothes, Hustlers was the place to be.


6. You went to meet-and-greets with famous celebrities: From TV stars to pop icons, big names would visit the Wellgate, and you’d queue for what felt like hours to meet them.


7. City Jeanster was the place to buy jeans: If you needed a new pair of jeans, City Jeanster was the ultimate destination - no other shop quite measured up - well maybe C&A!


8. You wandered down the Wellgate Steps like a pro: While others struggled, you had mastered the art of weaving through the crowds and descending the famous Wellgate Steps with ease.


9. You adored the big pencils in the Central Library: The Central Library was a world of wonder, but those giant pencils were absolutely legendary.


10. You left satisfied and looked forward to your next visit: Whether it was for shopping, fun, or just an adventure, a trip to the Wellgate was never dull, and you couldn’t wait to go back.


 

The Wellgate in the 1980s was more than just a shopping centre - it was a place filled with memories. If you remember even a few of these, chances are you were part of the golden era of Wellgate shopping.

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