A new entertainment venue proposed for Shirley is encountering resistance as it seeks permission to sell alcohol. Applicant Nilesh Pandit has submitted plans to transform unit 18 at Parkgate Shopping Centre, formerly a Poundland store, into a modern leisure space named 'Hideout'. The venue will offer interactive activities including electronic darts, shuffle games, basketball arcades, and arcade clay pigeon shooting.
Licence application details
The applicant states in the submission to Solihull Council: “The premises, formerly operating as Poundland, will be transformed into ‘Hideout’ - a new, modern leisure space offering a range of interactive activities for individuals, couples and groups of friends.” The venue will include a small bar area, approximately 2-3 metres in size, offering a limited selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Security personnel will be present throughout all evenings of licensable activities to ensure safety and compliance. The management team is committed to upholding licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm.
The proposed operating hours for alcohol sales and recorded music are daily from 11am to 11pm, Monday through Sunday.
Objections from neighbouring business
However, objections have been raised by Bei Capelli, a hair and beauty salon located in unit 19. In a written objection, the salon expressed concerns about noise and safety. “We are very concerned to learn of this application as it will come with many problems to us as we will now be sandwiched between two very noisy businesses,” the objection reads. “The shopping centre is becoming a playground for youngsters with balaclavas riding through and robbing elderly women of their handbags. We are so worried customers will not return as they are becoming frightened to come to the centre. This new proposal will add more problems and as a business we would have to consider moving out of the area.”
Council decision process
The licensing act panel of Solihull Council will meet to decide on the application. According to a report ahead of the meeting, the applicant has held discussions with West Midlands Police, resulting in additional conditions being added to the original proposed licence. The panel, comprising councillors, has three options: grant the application as applied for; grant it with amendments to activities, times, or additional conditions; or refuse the application entirely.
The meeting is scheduled for July 8 at the Civic Suite. The outcome will determine whether Hideout can proceed with its planned alcohol licence and entertainment offerings, which the applicant argues are currently absent in Shirley, with the nearest comparable venue located in Touchwood, Solihull.
