OVER the past few years the high-profile redevelopment of Southampton city centre, incorporating WestQuay and adjacent developments, has somewhat overshadowed the main suburban shopping centres within the city.

Indeed concern has been expressed by many that the development of WestQuay would impact considerably on the main suburban and regional shopping centres within Southampton and elsewhere.

So says Chris Aslin, from Palmer Fry in Southampton.

But he added: "Palmer Fry has remained extremely active and positive within these centres.

"In Portswood, UK Estates, advised by Palmer Fry, is currently undertaking a major extension refurbishment of the Portswood Shopping Centre to provide a wider range of larger units to enhance the already vibrant centre."

The centre, situated in a high-profile location in the Portswood district, is already home to Iceland, Cancer Research and Atlantic Dry Cleaners.

Mr Aslin said two more units have been pre-let to Farm Foods and to Barracuda and that Palmer Fry is working towards more deals to 'enhance the centre's attractiveness to the community'.

He said units will be available for occupation from the summer of this year.

Meanwhile, in Shirley, Palmer Fry has spent five years acting on behalf of a developer and subsequently Sainsbury's Supermarkets in assembling a major site which will be the focus of the regeneration of the Shirley Precinct and Shirley Shopping area.

He explained: "The centre will comprise a new Sainsbury's supermarket of in excess of 50,000 sq ft, ten new shop units, a library and housing office.

"All of the shop units have been pre-let and the scheme has been carefully managed to allow those tenants who wish to relocate and remain trading within the locality to do so. With the new line-up of tenants to be announced in the foreseeable future, this will be an extremely exciting opportunity for Shirley."

In Woolston, Palmer Fry has advised CLS Developments on the acquisition of the London Arms, at the junction of Victoria Road and Portsmouth Road. Mr Aslin said: "This old pub occupies an excellent trading position and is being converted to provide three flats on the first floor and two new shop units at ground floor level.

"The individual suburbs of Southampton offer limited opportunity to enhance and develop but confidence has been shown in the suburban shopping areas."