Further to his promise to see new regeration on the Stratford Road, Julian Knight MP has met with High Street Minister Marcus Jones to discuss options for regeneration of the Stratford Road. This was one of Julian’s main manifesto commitments when campaigning to become MP for Solihull, while the meeting was triggered after the closure of the M&S in Red Lion Square. Julian will also be meeting with M&S next week to ensure that all staff employed by the Red Lion M&S will be offered jobs in the area.
Julian and the Minister discussed a wide range of options, particularly the possibilities in the redevelopment of the Powergen site. There are a very high number of charity shops on the Stratford Road, but also independent restaurants and cafés and established small businesses such as butcher’s, greengrocer’s and cobblers. The situation is complicated by the fact that a number of the owners of shopfronts on the Stratford Road do not live in the area.
Julian says: “The Minister and I had a very productive meeting. There are a lot of issues influencing Shirley at the moment, and we need to factor in all of them going forward. A big help will be getting rid of the Powergen eyesore, which should improve footfall and therefore investment up the Stratford Road. Our priority has to be bringing new businesses into the area while supporting the ones that are currently there.”
High Street Minister Marcus Jones said “As a fantastic champion of Solihull, it was great to get Julian's views on the High Street in Shirley. I look forward to working with Julian and local small businessmen and women in the months and years ahead to ensure that the Stratford Road continues to be a vibrant high street and key part of the local community.”