Tricorn Centre - Early Years

Early Years

Opened in 1966, the centre was an attempt to revitalise Portsmouth, costing the city council £2 million. Originally called the Casbah by its creators, it was deliberately designed with vast amounts of blank surfaces on the idea that tenants would provide the colour and character via their signage and store frontages. It was hoped that premium stores would occupy the centre but as the centre was not connected to Portsmouth Town Centre, these stores never moved in. Instead the units were let to smaller stores. As well as small traders, tenants included a supermarket and two pubs. In 1967 the site received a commendation from the Civic Trust.