Shirley Precinct's 1980s shops and services remembered

During the 1980s, the traffic-free development brought together shops, public services, transport staff, residents and visitors. It provided much more than a place to buy goods, becoming a regular meeting point for people across Shirley.

At the centre of the precinct stood Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee drinking fountain. Local people subscribed to the landmark in 1887, and it remained in the paved walkway during the post-war development.

Benches and trees surrounded the fountain, linking Shirley’s Victorian past with its changing commercial centre.

The precinct was planned as a self-contained community. Shirley Library provided a place for reading and study, while the Southampton City Council Housing Office dealt with the everyday needs of local families.

Shirley Precinct on Shirley High Street. A view of the precinct long before its revamp and the building of Sainsbury's that now dominates. (Image: Echo)

Public transport also played a part in its life.

During Southampton’s deregulation and the period known as the local “bus wars”, CityBus opened a travel bureau in the complex.

Liz and Wendy became familiar faces as they arranged local travel, National Express trips and holiday packages for customers.

The Windsor Castle public house stood nearby. Its mock-Tudor timberwork and saloon-style doors were designed to create the feel of a traditional English village pub in the middle of the modern shopping area.

Independent businesses gave Shirley Precinct much of its identity.

At 11 Redcar Street, David J Coleman ran a chemist which offered services beyond the usual sale of medicines. After taking over the neighbouring empty shop, he increased the floor space and added a clinic room.

Customers could have their blood pressure checked by a qualified SRN nurse. The premises also provided state-registered chiropody through Patrick Stratton, as well as perfumery and ear piercing.

The chemist opened until 7pm, making it useful to residents after work.

Gasniers operated from 1 Redcar Street after moving to make room for Coleman’s expansion.

The shoe repairer occupied a double-fronted corner shop and became a regular stop for local people.

Staff repaired shoes, cut emergency house keys and sold leather luggage and travel bags.

Shirley precinct in recent years. (Image: Echo)

The business also supplied polished trophies to sports clubs and presentation events across Southampton. Its key-cutting service and wide range of goods made it more than a traditional repair shop.

At unit 3, David Pirouet’s fishmongers attracted customers with displays of fresh seafood.

The shop sold Scottish salmon, turbot, lemon sole, crab, oysters and naturally smoked fish without artificial colouring. Pirouet was also recognised as an award-winning master of the trade.

Kathleen Cotterell ran the florist at 5 Redcar Street.

Her shop supplied flowers, arrangements and Interflora deliveries for christenings, weddings and anniversaries. Generations of Shirley residents used the business for important family occasions.

Sweet Fayre and Maynards, at 109 The Precinct, sold pick-and-mix sweets, tobacco, newspapers and lunchtime sandwiches. Children, commuters and pensioners all visited the shop.

In autumn, its displays included fireworks for Guy Fawkes Night.

The precinct also served homeowners and people improving their properties.

Robert Dunn managed MHL Windows, which had the development’s largest showroom. It displayed aluminium and UPVC fittings during the 1980s property boom.

The Schreiber Centre showed fitted kitchens in solid pine and Cheltenham mahogany, alongside Georgian bedroom suites.

Ron May Sports supplied local football and cricket teams, while bookmakers, bakeries and haberdashers completed the range of businesses.

Together, these shops and services made Shirley Precinct a central part of daily life. Its mixture of trade, public services and familiar faces reflected a period when local shopping was much more closely tied to the community.

If you remember other stores or services located on Shirley Precinct in the 1980s, let us know by leaving a comment or by emailing ian.crump@dailyecho.co.uk .