Peter Kitchen: Pleased this Princess is getting a facelift

Without wishing to be unkind, Princess House isn't one of them.

The unappealing 1960s facade of the offices above the shops overlooking The Square has been described as "terrible" and a "monstrosity" by shoppers in the town.

And now fresh plans to turn the offices into eye-catching flats represent a major opportunity to breathe new life into one of the town centre's most historic and well-known areas.

So far the plans appear to have garnered almost universal approval, although as yet there is no timescale for when the work would take place.

We are told those using the offices above the shops – including Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, the Army and the Job Centre – do not intend to renew their leases which would pave the way for the facelift. It would be very interesting to learn where they will all end up.

I'm particularly intrigued by the idea of photovoltaic panels being set up on the side of the building facing out on to The Square.

This could potentially completely change the look of the area, completely modernising it and catching the eye of shoppers and visitors.

In a further radical step, the living rooms of the flats will look out on to The Square, potentially making the area a more lucrative one in terms of the property market.

Whenever promotional photographs and videos featuring Shrewsbury appear they all seem to include The Square. It is the place where the town's Christmas lights are switched on and where countless food and craft markets are held all year around.

It truly is at the heart of Shrewsbury and it is right that the area is getting the investment proposed. For so long it has felt like Shrewsbury town centre has stood still, which has been brought sharply into focus by the opening of Telford's £250 million Southwater development.

Of course it is crucial that any work carried out is done well and does improve such an important area of the town. The worst case scenario would be a half-hearted effort that does little to make the building stand out.

But it is only fair to give those behind this plan the time and opportunity to get it right. It could make a huge difference to our town.

*Follow me on Twitter @pkitchen_Star