Birmingham Restaurateur Brands New Street Area a 'Dead Zone' After 12-Year Fight
Erminio Shahmani, the determined owner of La Galleria on Ethel Street, has compared the stretch between New Street Station and the street it's named after to a 'dead area'. Having opened his authentic Italian restaurant in 2014, Shahmani has witnessed the neighbourhood decline sharply over the past decade, with shops shutting down and delivery cyclists frequently gathering at his entrance.
The Last Standing Restaurant in a Historic Building
La Galleria holds the distinction of being the sole remaining restaurant in its corner building, which was originally a Masonic Hall and later served as the ABC New Street cinema. Shahmani, whose family emigrated to Sicily two centuries ago, proudly serves Sicilian specialties and dishes from across Italy, with a pizza oven visible in the open kitchen for fresh bread and slices.
'It's a proper, authentic Italian restaurant,' Shahmani emphasised. 'Everything is cooked here fresh when you order. My staff and chefs are from all over Italy, and every night we have three chefs, a pizza chef, a porter, and a waiting team.'
From Vibrant to Vacant: A Neighbourhood in Decline
Reflecting on the changes, Shahmani lamented, 'Unfortunately, the changes we've seen have been from bad to worse. It used to be a very vibrant road with no problems, but now all the shops are empty. I'm the only one standing, and I'll be here as long as I can.' He highlighted the nightly presence of cyclists waiting for takeaway deliveries from other units on New Street as a symptom of the area's struggles.
The uncertainty surrounding his business is compounded by ongoing roadworks and the perception of neglect. 'We're the forgotten ones,' Shahmani stated. 'This part of Birmingham should be the best, but it's the worst. You have to stay positive to move forward, but the empty shops speak for themselves.'
Calls for Council Support Amidst a 'Warzone'
Shahmani has appealed for more assistance from Birmingham City Council, contrasting the area with others where shops remain full. 'Birmingham City Council should do a little bit more to help us,' he urged. 'In other areas, the shops are full, but this area is like a warzone. It's a dead area.'
When approached for comment on the vacant units, Colliers, the management company for the building housing La Galleria, declined to respond. Shahmani's perseverance underscores the challenges faced by local businesses in maintaining vitality amidst urban decay.
