It's approaching five years since the bulldozers moved in to begin the transformation of a part of central Watford, but for many years Charter Place was a key ingredient in the town centre shopping experience.

Although far from pleasing on eye, the concrete structure was once home to shops including C&A, Argos, Top Shop and Mary Rose toy shop, it had an entrance to British Home Stores and also housed Watford Market.

Some of these shops can be seen in the photos on this page shared by Richard Massara in the Watford Observer's nostalgia Facebook group 'We grew up in Watford'.

Although Charter Place effectively ceased to exist in December 2015 when demolition work began for the building of the extension of the intu, it remains a place that holds many memories for people who lived or worked in Watford over many years.

You can see more of Richard's pictures of the shopping centre by joining 'We grew up in Watford' via this link.

Watford Observer:

The fountain in the heart of Charter Place

Watford Observer:

Demolition work started at the end of 2015

Watford Observer:

Construction work at the centre

Watford Observer:

The entrance to British Home Stores on the top tier

Watford Observer:

A busy shopping day

Watford Observer:

Looking across to the popular Mary Rose toy shop

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The top floor entrance to C&A

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A dismal scene with the 'To Let' signs up on a wet day

Watford Observer:

The escalator between floors as the sun casts a shadow across the floor of the centre