Q What is Shirley Advance?

Shirley Advance is a joint venture company set up between Coltham Developments and Helical Bar to work in partnership with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council on the regeneration of Shirley Town Centre. Both firms are locally based and have extensive experience of town centre regeneration schemes.

Q Why does Shirley need another supermarket when there are already a large number of similar retailers in the immediate vicinity?

There are a number of major supermarkets in the local area. But the bigger and more popular stores are located outside the Town Centre. As a result they are drawing shoppers, including Shirley residents, away from the Town Centre.

These shoppers at out of centre stores benefit from good parking facilities and easy access.

By improving access to the town centre, making parking more readily available, and bringing a wide choice of High Street shops, we have ahead of us a great opportunity to bring people back to Shirley Town Centre and keep them there.

Q We have fought off large supermarkets in the past and will continue to do so. What makes you think we won’t see them off again?

It is important to recognise that this is not just another supermarket, but a shopping experience that will include quality High Street names.The scheme will also take in residential apartments, improvements to Shirley Park, and new facilities for the British Legion and other community users in the area.

Today’s proposals are a real chance to breathe life back in to Shirley Town Centre – and this is in the interest of everyone in Shirley.

Q Will the supermarket be a one-stop-shop?

The new supermarket will be a large food store along the lines of those found outside the Town Centre.

Q Is it possible to have a smaller food store than those outside Shirley town centre?

No, because a large store is needed both to attract major food store operators – who will not consider trading from a small store – and to create an anchor to attract new shops and more people to Shirley Town Centre.

Q Can you confirm Asda’s involvement in the development?

Negotiations with all major food stores are taking place. A preferred retailer for the development of Shirley Town Centre will be confirmed in due course.

Q Why develop in the Town Centre, which is already a traffic hot spot?

The present form of the Town Centre with shops strung out along both sides of the busy A34 has made shopping in Shirley difficult at the best of times. We believe this has been a contributing factor in the decline of Shirley as a vibrant and viable shopping centre.

In building a new junction at Stratford Road (where it meets Haslucks Green and Olton Roads), Shirley Advance believes that Shirley will become an attractive place to shop.

Q How will any new development affect the Park?

We realise the importance of the park to the local community. At present, access is poor as are its links to the Town Centre area. We believe that the park has huge potential and rather than eat into it, we will be looking to enhance it as a facility for the whole community to enjoy.

Q How do you intend to consult with the people of Shirley?

The project remains at an early stage. It is our intention to begin to present
concepts through a variety of channels including:

• Have Your Say Days, the first of which will be between 19th and 21st August 2004.
  
• Regular newsletters to keep you updated with developments.
  
• Media coverage in local newspapers.
  
• This Website, which allow residents to view and comment on all the latest information.

Q Who should I contact if I have any questions or queries?

A dedicated Shirley Town Centre project line is in operation on: 0800 319 6021. Or alternatively, the project team can be reached on email at: info@shirleyadvance.com

Q How will feedback and responses form part of the new development?

All feedback from the Have Your Say Days, the info line, email, website and newsletters will be recorded – it is this information which will evolve the scheme.

Analysis of this information will evolve the scheme.

Q Who have you consulted so far?

We have, in recent months, approached a number of groups including the Shirley Town Centre Partnership, Shirley Residents Association, and The Royal British Legion, to introduce ourselves and begin to seek initial views and opinions.

From these meetings a Town Centre Consultation Group (TCCG) has been set up to work with Shirley Advance.

The time has now come to consult with all residents of Shirley. In reality, it is much much more than that – it’s about creating a Town Centre that local residents can be proud of.

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