Is it time to close Underworld?

(This post was originally posted by Llifon on the Coronation Street Blog in May 2013.)

This blog post is inspired by Graeme's post on rancid Rob, who got me thinking about the future of Underworld. Industry has been a part of the lay-out of Coronation Street since its inception when the raincoat factory dominated the even side of the street before it was demolished in 1968. There was a hiatus between 1968 and 1971 before the warehouse was established that then became Baldwin's denim factory in 1976. Then the factory was knocked down in 1989 and there was another hiatus until 1996 when Underworld was established. But, I wonder, is it apt to call time on Underworld after 17 years?

 

Producers and writers have attempted to resurrect the glory days of Baldwin's Casuals with the gobby machinists and management/employees clashes, but it doesn't bode well for this Corrie fan. With the increasing number of factory closures, is the fact that Underworld, a small factory in a backstreet, is still open a bit ludicrous? I say close the factory and use the building for another purpose.

 

If that would happen, what would you like to see?

 

Myself, I think, to get the best character interaction, is to make it into a community centre.  And not have just a big hall, but have various rooms for various activities. What about an art class (led by Deirdre!)? Yoga? Coffee morning? Book club? One o'clock club? Cooking class? One commenter mentioned maybe establishing a crèche where all the Corrie babies can go. Something that all the characters can take part in. What about doing a play or a musical? The children can do their Natvity there.  

 

Dennis would be the perfect candidate for caretaker and then he'd get more screen time too!

 

If Corrie can show a community getting together, maybe it'll influence viewers all over the country to do something in their community and re-introduce that community spirit that Britain has been lacking these past few years!

 

Do you agree? Or maybe you have other ideas about Underworld's future? Maybe you want things to stay as they are?

Follow the Bluenose CorrieBlog on Twitter and Facebook