Eerie abandoned shopping centre left to rot for 20 years branded ‘insane’

The Five Sisters Freeport Shopping Village in West Calder, Scotland, opened in 1996 but was forced to close just four years later after the opening of a nearby outlet mall

06:00, 28 Feb 2026

A giant retail complex[1] that launched to considerable acclaim in September 1996, which drew thousands of shoppers weekly in its early days, has become a deserted "ghost town" gradually succumbing to the elements.

Urban exploration enthusiast "Bearded Reality[2]" ventured through the disused Five Sisters Freeport Shopping Village in West Calder, Scotland[3], which now serves as a stark symbol of evolving consumer patterns. "This place is insane," he said.

"Honestly, you can't believe it's been left."

During its heyday, the 50,000-square-foot development boasted prominent retail names including Calvin Klein,[4] DKNY, Versace, and Levi's. It additionally contained two cafes, two restaurants, and a "Leisureland" amenity featuring an entertainment centre and go-karts.

However, the transformation of the retail landscape, with increasing numbers turning to online shopping, combined with the launch of the neighbouring Livingston Designer Outlet in 2000, led to visitor numbers at Five Sisters quickly dwindling.

The site has stood empty for 20 years(Image: YouTube/BeardedReality)

Within twelve months of the competing outlet launching, the majority of stores at Five Sisters had shut their doors, whilst the handful that persisted offered final stock clearances before departing. By 2004, Freeport Leisure determined it was time to shutter the centre permanently, ending the entire venture.

Freeport Chairman Sean Collidge acknowledged at the time that the arrival of the Livingston outlet in close proximity played a role in their collapse: "This scheme was 100% let when it opened in 1996 and had four tremendous years.

Then retail in Scotland became overpopulated in the central belt."

Five Sisters last served as the setting for a 2015 BBC[5] Three reality game show, I Survived a Zombie Apocalypse, which saw contestants concealing themselves from the "undead" whilst rushing to accomplish challenges.

The last stores closed their doors in 2004(Image: YouTube/Bearded Reality)

When Bearded Reality explored the sprawling site, situated just off the M8 motorway, he discovered all 40 of its retail units sealed up, with scant indication that Five Sisters had formerly been a thriving shopping and entertainment venue.

Whilst one fire exit had been left ajar, it merely allowed access to a limited, cordoned-off section, and gaining entry to the main shopping centre remained unfeasible.

Despite Five Sisters having been shut for over 20 years - exceeding double the duration it actually operated - CCTV surveillance and a security officer continue to deter unauthorised public access.

In 2021, West Lothian[6] Council turned down a proposal to convert the land into a residential development, though authorities indicated their enthusiasm to witness the site's regeneration.

The site is slowly being reclaimed by nature(Image: YouTube/BeardedReality)

A council representative stated at the time: "The redevelopment or reuse of Westwood (Freeport), near West Calder, which previously operated as a factory outlet centre, is supported by the council.

"Leisure and tourist uses, specialised employment, starter units (Class 4), or institutional uses appropriate to a rural location will be supported.

"Some element of new or extended building outside the development envelope on-site and/or housing (very low density, with a maximum of 30 houses, meriting a rural location, all confined to the development envelope) will be considered where this is shown to be necessary for the financial viability of an appropriate scheme."

References

1. ^ giant retail complex (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ Bearded Reality (www.youtube.com)
3. ^ Scotland (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ Calvin Klein, (www.mirror.co.uk)
5. ^ BBC (www.mirror.co.uk)
6. ^ West Lothian (www.mirror.co.uk)