Fish fair gives taster of new shopping centre at former Romford Debenhams
Aklu Miah (centre) with some staff members at the fish mela - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
Customers have been given a taste of what to expect from the new Aklu Plaza, which is to fill the former Romford Debenhams store.
A fish mela, meaning fair, took place at the Market Place shop between November 15 and 21.
Customers had the chance to shop at the store, which is due to open as Aklu Plaza shopping mall in early 2022 - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
Dubbed Europe's biggest by organisers, it was put on after the opening of the shopping centre was delayed until next year.
Ella Hewitt from Shana Foods handing out samples - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
Debenhams closed its branch of the department store in May after more than 60 years in the town centre.
Aklu Miah (front left) holds the fair's biggest fish with Shamim Ahmed, Shuvo and Monza Ahmed. - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
The Recorder spoke to Aklu Plaza's chairman Aklu Miah in September about his plans to turn the unit into a shopping centre.
Home Superstore selling world food and household essentials is set to operate on the ground floor of the Aklu Plaza from early next year - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
He hoped to open the flagship brand Home Superstore by Christmas, but a spokesperson later said supply chain issues and staff shortages had pushed the date back to early 2022.
The fish fair was labelled Europe's biggest by organisers - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
When fully open, Aklu Plaza will also include outlets selling items ranging from Indian clothing to jewellery and cosmetics, as well as a global food court, children's play area and prayer room.
The fish mela took place between November 15 and 21 - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
