Uniqlo’s plans for the external look of its new Bullring store were rejected by the council over concerns the signage would ‘be distracting’
Uniqlo confirmed it will comply with the council’s decision(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Uniqlo has responded to Birmingham City Council’s decision to reject its proposal to put up signage above its new Bullring store after officers found the designs to be ‘wholly inappropriate’
The Bullring shopping centre announced the upcoming arrival of the Japanese casualwear brand at the end of March.
It confirmed that the fashion giant would be moving into the old Zara store outside the mall following Zara’s move into the upper level of the old Debenhams unit.
Read more: ‘Wholly inappropriate’ – Birmingham City Council rejects new Bullring shop plan
But plans to refurbish the vacant plot ahead of Uniqlo’s much-anticipated opening hit a snag after Birmingham City Council’s planning department rejected a bid to display seven internally-illuminated fascia signs showing the general Uniqlo red-and-white branding on the building’s front and side elevations.
Concerns were raised by a council officer about the ‘size, colour, illumination and elevated positioning’ of the proposed signs and the impact they would have on the nearby Grade II-listed St Martin’s Church.
Uniqlo’s plans for signs above its new Bullring store were rejected by the city council
The officer’s comments included in a report stated: “It is considered that these large red squares of illuminated signage will be distracting in views towards the tower and spire of the city’s parish church, competing with its landmark status and considered therefore to be wholly inappropriate causing harm to its northern setting …
“From a visual amenity perspective, the adverts are considered to add clutter to the street scene by virtue of the excessive number proposed. Furthermore, the bright red signage at second floor level detracts from the character of the area.”
The decision was criticised by some locals online who questioned why Uniqlo’s signs were considered inappropriate when other retailers located closer to the church were allowed to display prominent signage.
Uniqlo has since responded to the decision, easing any concerns that the council decision could deter its plans to launch in the city and offering shoppers a first glimpse at the timeline for the store opening.
A spokesperson for the clothing brand said: “Uniqlo are aware of the Birmingham Bullring store planning application status.
“We shall of course comply with the necessary local permits and regulations and look forward to opening to customers later this year.”
The new Uniqlo store will offer 20,000sq ft of retail space with women’s, menswear, kids and Uniqlo LifeWear departments.