Between 1965 and 1970, Aylesbury’s town centre was the subject to its biggest-ever re-development. Old buildings were demolished to make way for a brand-new shopping centre and business hub, now known as the original Friars Square development.
The two phases of the construction work spanned all those years and much of it was recorded on film by members of the Aylesbury Cine Club using professional 16mm cameras.
The outdoor market, once sited in the adjoining Market Square, moved to the new open-air premises in the centre of the development..
The first phase was opened in 1967, and second three years later when it received a royal visitor, Princess Margaret to view the modern facilities.
Filmmakers: Aylesbury Cine Club; Source: 16mm colour silent film; Length 24m 29s; Digitised March 2023.
BRIEF SHOT-LIST
00.08-00.53 Aylesbury Town Centre views, buildings and traffic, including outdoor market stalls in Market Square.
00.58-02.01 Progress Report 1, May 1965. PHASE 1. Initial work after demolition, gauging a giant hole with cranes and construction equipment and vehicles. Top shots, and ground shots.
02.13-04.05 Ceremony of laying the foundation stone June 1965 involving the Mayor, James Blyth.
04.08-05.26 Progress Report 2, December 1965. Development emerging. Top shots & ground shots.
05.28-08.27 Progress Report 3, April 1966. Central building reaching fifth floor and lower areas approaching roof level.
08.28-11.12 Progress Report 4, October 1966. First top shot showing complete shape of development with open-air market area crowded with building supplies and equipment.
11.17-15.45 Progress Report 5, May 1967. Top shot of much cleaner site apparently ready for occupation. First shops, including Mothercare, Timpson shoes, Co-operative; an “OPEN” sign had gone up on the central raised cafe with exterior and interior shots, the new market area springing into life. Shots: elevated top shots, ground and interior shots.
15.48-18.27 Progress Report 6, December 1967. PHASE II. Adjoining area being cleared and initial groundworks underway.
18.32-21.31 Progress Report 7, October 1968. Film shows Phase 1 shoppers and shops, including Boots and Tesco. Top shots and ground shots of new area emerging, plus giant cranes.
21.38-00.00 HRH princess Margaret visit, 14th July, 1970. The princess with mayor Huber Smith visits shopping centre. Crowds and officials.
NOTE: The area was re-developed in 1993 and the open-air market returned to Market Square.
26 мар 2023
