Longtime Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd has sent shockwaves through the fandom after publicly demanding the return of a beloved but long-forgotten set from the show’s golden years. The actor, best known for his role as David Platt since 2000, took to social media to share his frustration over the disappearance of one of the show’s most iconic filming locations—sparking both nostalgia and excitement among fans. His post, which quickly gained traction, read: “Why did we ever get rid of the old builder’s yard and community centre set? Absolute travesty. Bring it back!” Accompanied by a throwback photo of David in front of the derelict space, the message was clear—Jack wants a piece of classic Corrie history resurrected.
The set in question, which many longtime viewers will remember fondly, was once a bustling part of the show’s layout. Whether it was the builder’s yard once run by Len Fairclough and later Jason Grimshaw, or the Weatherfield Community Centre where numerous weddings, fundraisers, and explosive rows took place, the space played a vital role in Corrie’s everyday life. Over time, however, it was slowly phased out as newer sets and storylines took over. With the recent expansion of Victoria Street and the introduction of places like Speed Daal and the Bistro, older landmarks fell into disuse. But for Jack, and for many fans, something essential was lost along the way.
In interviews following the post, Jack doubled down on his request. “We’ve got so many brilliant stories happening, but some of the show’s grit and local flavor used to come from those everyday places. The community centre wasn’t just a room—it was a place where secrets spilled, where characters met who never normally crossed paths. It grounded everything. Same with the yard—there was proper working-class tension there.” He noted that David himself had countless scenes in both spots, often with characters like Gail, Jason, or even Kylie. “You had blokes shouting at each other over tools, women dragging kids into after-school programs. That’s Corrie.”
Producers haven’t officially responded to Jack’s plea, but insiders say there’s been quiet chatter behind the scenes. “It’s not the first time cast members have brought this up,” a source reveals. “There’s a lot of love for the older sets—especially ones that were practical, physical spaces where actors could really move and emote. They’re part of Corrie’s DNA.” The challenge, however, lies in production logistics. Since the 2013 move from the show’s original Granada Studios lot to the MediaCity complex, space and layout have changed significantly. Reintroducing a retired set could require rearranging current filming schedules and locations—though with fan interest reignited, the motivation 
And fans are absolutely on board. Twitter (or “X” as it’s now branded) exploded with reactions. One user posted: “YES, JACK! That community centre gave us some of the best Blanche lines ever. Bring it back.” Another added: “They’re building rooftop gardens and cafes on Corrie now. But where’s the grit? Where’s the yard?” Many agreed that while Coronation Street has evolved with time, part of its heart lives in those forgotten bricks and mortar sets that grounded it in its working-class roots.
Jack’s advocacy for the return of the set also speaks to his passion for storytelling and authenticity. He’s no stranger to shaping the narrative—his portrayal of David Platt over the decades has been praised for balancing humor, darkness, and raw emotion. From turbulent teen years to gut-wrenching trauma plots, Jack has consistently pushed to keep David honest, complex, and relevant. Perhaps it’s no surprise that he’s now pushing for the environment around his character to reflect that same level of realism and depth.
Some fans are even proposing potential storylines to justify the return of the builder’s yard or community centre. One popular theory involves David getting involved in a youth mentorship scheme—perhaps inspired by Max’s recent struggles—requiring the reopening of the centre. Others imagine the builder’s yard being revived under a new partnership between Gary Windass and Ed Bailey, bringing drama, rivalry, and business tension back into play. “The possibilities are endless,” one Reddit user wrote. “Give the set back to the writers and watch magic happen.”
Claire Sweeney, who plays Cassie Plummer, even chimed in during a recent appearance on Lorraine. “Jack’s absolutely right,” she said. “There’s something special about those spaces. I’d love to film in them. They’re real, raw—perfect for character-driven scenes.”
As buzz grows, viewers and cast alike are waiting to see whether Jack’s campaign will gain enough momentum to influence the showrunners. With the soap industry becoming more interactive, and stars taking to social media to shape discourse, Jack’s push might be more than just a nostalgic rant—it could be the beginning of a return to roots that fans didn’t know they missed so badly. After all, in a world where sets come and go, it’s rare for one to hold such sentimental and cultural weight.
For now, Jack P Shepherd remains vocal—and hopeful. “It’s not just about scenery,” he said in a follow-up video. “It’s about what that space gave us as actors, and what it gave the audience—truth, tension, and togetherness. You bring back that set, you bring back a piece of Corrie’s soul.”
And judging by the outpouring of support, it’s clear that many agree.
