Plans were progressing apace in the middle of the 1980s for one of the biggest transformations in Watford’s history.

A new shopping centre was to be built in town, but before construction could begin the businesses and homes where it would be built had to be bulldozed.

A Watford Observer photographer went into the town centre on April 8, 1986 to take pictures of those shops and streets that were in line to be bulldozed to enable work on the Mars One project – the original name for what became the Harlequin Centre – to begin.

Reminder of town's rural past taken along what is now a major road

Great snaps when fans flocked to see East 17 open Watford record shop

Watford Observer: Trewins would move into the new shopping centreTrewins would move into the new shopping centre (Image: Watford Observer)

The premises occupied by Trewins was set to disappear as the appearance of Queens Road changed forever, while Clifford Street would be consigned to the history books to allow the new centre to be built.

Watford Observer: The rear entrance to Trewins with Marks & Spencer on the opposite side of the roadThe rear entrance to Trewins with Marks & Spencer on the opposite side of the road (Image: Watford Observer)

Take a look through these pictures from our archive taken 37 years ago that will also evoke memories of how life was in this area of Watford at that time.

Watford Observer: These shops would be demolished to make way for Mars OneThese shops would be demolished to make way for Mars One (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Carey PlaceCarey Place (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Do you remember using this car park?Do you remember using this car park? (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Hammonds stood on the corner of Water LaneHammonds stood on the corner of Water Lane (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Another view of the High Street in April 1986Another view of the High Street in April 1986 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Did you ever shop at Brentfords?Did you ever shop at Brentfords? (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Ketts stood at what became the main entrance to the shopping centreKetts stood at what became the main entrance to the shopping centre (Image: Watford Observer)