Sports Direct plan a threat to Shrewsbury town centre, claims business group

Shrewsbury’s Business Improvement District (BID) has submitted an official objection to plans for a new Sports Direct unit at Meole Brace Retail Park, warning that it would undermine efforts to attract investment into the town centre.

The objection letter comes from Seb Slater, the group’s executive director who took up the position earlier this year.

The application for a new Sports Direct store at the retail park would also allow another retailer, Outfit, to take over the sports firm’s former premises at the park.

In his letter Mr Slater states: “Shrewsbury BID would like to recommend the rejection of the proposal, which is in direct competition with Shrewsbury town centre. It undermines the continuing efforts of the BID, its members and Shropshire Council to draw investment into the town. Every loss of a high street retailer to an out-of-town park sets back our ambitions to create a town centre that responds to modern lifestyles: a multi-generational offer; a network of lively public spaces, playful or cultural experiences; a popular evening economy.”

Mr Slater raises concerns about Meole Brace attracting businesses which would have traditionally set up in the town centre – concerns that were also raised by representative of Shrewsbury’s Darwin and Pride Hill shopping centres.

In a letter earlier this month they revealed that Sports Direct had pulled out of talks to take on premises at one of the centres.

Mr Slater said: “Our fundamental concerns with this planning application are that Meole Brace is creating a new space for what all would recognise as high street retailers, rather than the larger format retailers that an out-of-town retail park is best suited for.”

The letter also states that “creation of this new space at Meole Brace will reduce demand for retail space in Shrewsbury town centre”.

Mr Slater gives two other specific concerns, stating “Shrewsbury town centre, and most specifically the existing shopping centres, has suitable space for immediate occupancy by these retailers and should be the preferred location for them”, and “it impacts on the vitality of the town centre by undermining the business case for investment.”

Shropshire Council’s planning department is currently considering the application which could create up to 120 jobs.

Earlier this month an objection to the proposal was submitted by Caroline McDade of Deloitte Real Estate on behalf of UKCPT, the owners of Shrewsbury’s Pride Hill, Darwin, and Riverside shopping centres. Ms McDade argued that the application directly competes with the town centre – using the example of Sports Direct’s decision to go for an out-of-town site as evidence. She said: “Sports Direct was previously in discussions with UKCPT to take space within the town centre, so we were aware of the availability and suitability of sequentially preferable units to accommodate their requirements. They pulled out of discussions which provides solid evidence that this is having a direct impact on investment in the town centre.”