The UK's 'worst high street' in little town full of abandoned shops

With its rows of shuttered shops, boarded windows, and a haunting quiet, this part of Waterlooville in Hampshire has been labelled by many as a ghost town, a far cry from the bustling market centre it once aspired to be. The town, named after the Heroes of Waterloo pub, which itself commemorates the Battle of Waterloo, has seen its heart, the once promising Wellington Way shopping centre, fall into neglect. Built in the 1960s with aspirations of modern retail success, it now tells a very different story.

YouTuber, , visited Waterlooville and called it the "worst high street in Britain" after being shocked by the many closed and empty shops. He said in the video: "Oh my goodness, it really is apocalyptic."

There have been efforts to change this. Since January 2024, Havant Borough Council has been developing a Masterplan for Waterlooville Town Centre, aimed at reversing years of decline and breathing new life into the area.

Following extensive community engagement, including walking tours, public exhibitions, and a "Festival of Ideas", the council has proposed a vision for regeneration that focuses on improving public spaces, supporting local businesses, and making the high street a more attractive destination.

The plan includes funding for shopfront improvements, pop-up shops, and public art, all aimed at reviving the struggling high street.

Now in public consultation (as of July 2025), the council hopes the strategy will help attract new businesses and restore some vitality.

One TripAdvisor user from Portsmouth wrote about the town market: "Awful. Half a dozen stalls and a very rude market stall holder. It was like a ghost town with many shops closed down and boarded up. Not worth the visit. Far better to shop in Havant. Very nice market once a week and good shops buzzing with people."

Another Youtuber, also said: "It's hard to ignore the numerous shuttered shops lining the street. Once bustling stores like Claire's Accessories have closed their doors permanently, leaving behind empty windows and 'To Let' signs.

"As we move further along, the absence of shoppers is palpable. The pedestrian areas, which used to be filled with locals and visitors, now feel eerily quiet. The closure of major retailers, such as Halfords, has significantly reduced foot traffic, contributing to this decline.

"The local council is aware of these challenges and has initiated efforts to revitalize the area. Plans are underway to regenerate the town centre, aiming to attract new businesses and breathe life back into the high street. However, the transformation is still in progress, and the current state remains a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by many UK high streets today."