Phillip Davies, 76, from Normanton has been a regular visitor to the shoping centre for a long time.
“I think they’ve just let it get worse over the years. At one time this was the main place that we used for our shopping on a weekend.
“The only thing I’ve come in for today is I’m meeting my mate that I used to work with for a latte, instead of a beer. I’m afraid that’s the only time I come in it now.”
He said the White Rose Centre near Leeds was now a bigger draw.
Opened in 1983, The Ridings was one of the first American-style shopping malls in the UK and became an attraction for shoppers across the north.
It is now less than two-thirds occupied.
Launching the sessions, councillor and cabinet member for regeneration Matthew Pinder said the city had “a huge amount of potential”.
“It’s clear that regeneration is required to offer renewed economic opportunity for business, provide homes, and attract more people to our fantastic city.
“We want to make sure our city thrives for the current and next generation.
“The best way to do that is to make sure it is centred around the public’s needs.
“That’s why the council’s new administration is asking for your views openly and transparently, as we promised we would.”
