Work begins to move Shrewsbury Square shop fronts
Work has begun on a contentious scheme to move forward shop frontages in Shrewsbury's Square.
Work started yesterday on the pavement outside Princess House.
The start of construction at Princess House was delayed by Shrewsbury in Bloom judging as officials wanted The Square to look its best when being visited by regional and national judges from the Britain in Bloom competition.
Developer Rockspring was given permission for the controversial scheme this year following a public inquiry after more than 70 objections were sent to the Department for Transport.
The plan was opposed by organisations including Shrewsbury Town Council, Shrewsbury Civic Society and Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association.
But Inspector John Wilde gave the green light to the proposals, which will see shop frontages moved forward by five feet to make them more visible to potential customers.
James Tibbles, project manager for the Princess House scheme, said it was hoped the first stage of the scheme could be finished in early September, affecting shops at the former Music Hall end of The Square.
But he said no firm dates have yet been agreed for when work will take place on the parts of the building currently home to Cafe Esp and Starbucks.
