Revamp of historic Shrewsbury Square sparks row

A row has broken out over proposed changes to a building in Shrewsbury's historic Square.

Developers have submitted plans which will see the recessed shop fronts on Princess House, next to The Square brought forward in keeping with the historic building line.

They say replacing and relocating the shop fronts will create a 'new, uniform and coherent shop front' which will boost trade in the town.

The changes will affect a number of shops including Starbucks coffee house, Viyella clothes shop and the RAF careers office.

But John Hall from Shop in the Loop has slammed the plans, saying: "I am not in favour of this, I think it is a rotten idea and it will destroy the nature of The Square. I think it would be a great shame if people can no longer sit outside the cafes."

And Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association have also raised objections to the proposals, claiming they will hinder events from taking place in The Square.

Residents association spokesman said: "Apart from giving The Square a special character, the jetting has provided certain positive elements.

"It makes the paved area larger so that whenever events take place the public has more space to enjoy and to move."

A statement by Helen Ball on behalf of Shrewsbury Town Council said: "Princess House is situated adjacent to The Square, one of the most significant spaces in Shrewsbury in terms of its architectural merit, its heritage and also its social capacity to act as a place to dwell."

But developers say the plans will boost The Square and bring it into line with other developments such as The Bull Ring in Birmingham and The Victoria Quarter in Leeds.