Julian Knight, Conservative Member of Parliament for Solihull, has inspected the plans for replacing the Powergen eyesore, which has now been derelict for nearly 20 years. The plans were on display at Shirley Library over the weekend, and include 260 Extra-Care retirement apartments, between 105 and 140 houses and flats, and a petrol station. Due to residents’ wishes, there will not be a public house on site. It was also agreed to demolish the multi-storey car park at the back of Powergen, after residents requested its removal.
Julian says: “It is great to finally see action on Powergen, and I am especially glad that residents are being listened to about what they want to see for the site. We all want the best for Shirley, and at the moment it is difficult to encourage shoppers to explore up the Stratford Road when they have to walk past a derelict building to do so. With the building of more affordable housing we should see more jobs brought to the area and more people spending money on the Stratford Road – I very much hope these plans go ahead.”
The plans are available for inspection at Shirley Library until June 27th, and are online at www.powergenshirley.co.uk.