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| Freshney Place offers plenty of natural light and the roof is high |
FREE-flying exotic birds such as parrots, macaws, tanagers and hummingbirds could be introduced to Grimsby's Freshney Place shopping centre as a visitor attraction.
It is believed such an initiative could encourage more footfall to the potential trading benefit of those shops which have a presence within the premises.
The proposal would ‘dovetail' with North East Lincolnshire Council’s aspiration to extend Freshney Place’s traditional role as a retail centre to one offering leisure, entertainment and a medical facility.
However, it is not the NELC administration which has come up with the brainchild but an organisation called the Institute of Applied Ornithology which has links not just with international avian organisations but also zoos all over the world.
Says chief executive Robin Finch: “In effect, Freshney Place would become a giant indoor aviary.
"Because, it is so blessed with natural daylight and a high atrium, we think it is ideal for such a venture.
"If successful, we think it could be adopted at Meadowhall, Brent Cross and other UK shopping centres.
"As yet, we have not identified our preferred species, but we would obviously favour those with bright plumage - the whole purpose is to provide shoppers with a sense of magic and wonder with splashes of fast-moving colour.
"As well as creating a vibrant shopping experience, we think this concept will encourage greater interest in birds and the natural environment."
From where might our feathered friends be sourced?
There is no question of using British species in this venture because it is against the law to capture wild birds.
Although there is an extensive global black market in trapped wildlife, the institute deems it unethical as well illegal to import wild caught birds, and insists it would shun any offers from unscrupulous rogue traders.
Instead, it would take advantage of its long-established links with zoos all over the world to buy or borrow birds that derive from long-established aviary-bred bloodlines.
Assuming the project proceeds, Some adjustments would need to be made to the entrance and exit points of Freshney Place to prevent the birds from escaping.
In order to provide perching, roosting and foraging habitat, natural foliage, including some tall trees and shrubs, will also be required.
According to plans seen by the Grimsby News, these would be located along the whole length of the centre of the walkway.
Up to four jobs would be created.
The main responsibilities of those engaged would be both to ensure the welfare of the birds and plants and to keep the centre clean.
However, ‘educational engagement’ with the public, including school parties, would also be part of the job description.
As far as is known, shopkeepers welcome the proposal, though management at clothing retailers have cautioned about birds flying into their premises and potentially soiling stock.
It is understood one birdfood supplier with strong links to the area has been approached to partsponsor the venture.
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It would not set a Grimsby precedent if birds were free-flying within Freshney Place. In October, 2022, there was a Sparrowhawk (above) in the main Asda store in Grimsby. However, it proved such a distraction to shoppers (below) and staff that it was released after just a few days.
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