Three big stores in talks over Shrewsbury move

THREE BIG high street names could be coming to Shrewsbury as part of multi-million pound plans to transform the town's main shopping centres, bosses revealed today.

Shearer Property Group confirmed it was in talks with Primark, Debenhams and Bhs about opening huge new stores in the town.

The developers are also talking with Shropshire Council about refurbishing the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside shopping centres to attract the big names to tempt shoppers in.

Director Adam Markwell said: "Primark, Debenhams and Bhs are all keen to come to Shrewsbury when plans for the three centres are finalised. Following discussions with Shropshire Council we can then have conversations with them about their plans to come to the town.

"They are interested in the town and want to know whether we can provide the accommodation they need to come here."

The new shops could also potentially create hundreds of jobs to boost the town's economy, Mr Markwell added.

Gareth Proffitt, spokesman for Shropshire Council, said: "Shropshire Council is keen to work closely with the owners of Shrewsbury's shopping centre as they look to develop the centres.

"Council officers have held an initial meeting with the owners to discuss their plans, and another meeting is due to be held later this month.

"The chief executive and leader of Shropshire Council are then due to meet with the centre owners in early December to identify opportunities for joint working and to agree the best way forward."

Shearer Property Group also launched a leasing campaign at a the British Council of Shopping Centres conference held in Manchester last week.

By Emma Kasprzak