From the building of a new media-led college to the creation of an award-winning sculpture – here are some of the ways that Erith High Street has changed since 1945.

Many of our high streets have changed considerably over the years and Erith High Street is one of them.

We’ve compared two images of Erith High Road – one taken in 1945 and one in 2022 – and we’ve rounded up some of the notable changes that have happened over the decades.

Europa Trading Estate

Opened sometime between 1945-2023 the Europa Trading Estate, situated next to Erith Station, hosts shops like Wickes.

A new college campus

Just across Bronze Age Way from Erith station is the Bexley campus of London South East Colleges.

The Bexley campus first opened in Erith Town Centre in 2014, teaching several subjects within media including TV, production, animation, photography and graphic design.

De Luci Fish Roundabout

Below Bronze Age Way from Erith Sation is the award-winning De Luci Fish Roundabout, which was completed in 2006.

The 80-foot high glass mosaic sculpture was designed by Gary Drostle as a landmark for the entrance of Erith.

It was inspired by the town’s ancient coat of arms, which was adopted from the family arms of Richard de Luci.

In 2007, it was awarded the Rouse Kent public art award, and later in 2008 it was awarded the Best Architectural Mosaic award at the Mosaic Arts International in Miami, Florida.

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Erith Riverside Shopping Centre

First built sometime around the 1960s, Erith Riverside Shopping Centre took the place of the former buildings that were demolished where the centre now stands.

It was bought by BYM Capital in 2021 and in more recent years the premises has sadly lost several businesses, with several shops being left vacant.