Colourfully-plumaged birds could be introduced to shopping centre to enhance customer experience

 

The shopping arcade in Grimsby 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 a shopping arcade as a visitor attraction.

It is believed the initiative proposed for Freshney Place in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, could encourage more footfall - to the potential trading benefit of those shops which have a presence within the premises.

The proposal would ‘dovetail with the local council's aspiration to extend the arcade's  traditional role as  a retail centre to one offering leisure, entertainment and even a medical facility.

However, it is not the council which  has come up with the brainchild but  the Institute of Applied Ornithology which has links not just with international avian organisations but also with zoos all over the world.

Says chief executive Robin Finch: “In effect, the aracde 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 in Sheffield, the Trafford Centre in Manchester and Brent Cross in London 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.

Though 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 the arcade 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.

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 to ensure the welfare of the birds and the plants and to ensure the centre is kept clean (because some birds, such as mynahs,  can be messy).

However, ‘educational engagement’ with the public is also likely to 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 sponsor the venture. 

It would not set a Grimsby  precedent if birds were free-flying within Freshney Place aracade. 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.