Transforming Telford

As the economic regeneration company for Telford, we are working hard to boost this with a number of physical projects as well as economic development activity.

We have a number of very important projects underway in Telford but probably the single most important requirement is the multimillion pound redevelopment of the Town Centre. This, along with other major developments, will contribute to providing employment to over 100,000 people in the next twenty years as part of Telford’s projected population growth.

Telford offers the most superb opportunities as a leading regional centre for shopping, business and investment but what has been missed is a lively, focal area where people can meet friends, have a meal or a drink, visit a cultural or leisure venue and generally enjoy life.

We published a masterplan last year which outlines proposals for the £250m redevelopment of the Southwater area in Telford Town Centre. The document presents our vision for all of this and will form the basis for a further detailed brief to appoint a development partner later this year.

Our proposals will see the radical regeneration of the 30 acre (12 hectare) site around the existing Southwater area in the Town Centre by introducing a new 143,000 sq m mixed-use development. The scheme would bring together new cafes, bars and shops, a 12,500 sq m leisure scheme including replacements for the existing ice rink, bowling and bingo hall, new housing, 25,000 sq m offices with further expansion proposed and a new hotel. Together these developments would create and safeguard an estimated 1,750 jobs.

The £250m development would be made up of around £30 million public sector funding which would lever in an additional £220 million of private sector investment.

A new high street would be built, with a central public square replacing Southwater Square. This would be enhanced with exciting, atmospheric lighting as public art, to help create a distinctive character for the Town Centre.

The 30 acre (12 hectare) site around Southwater Square sits within a wider 74 acre (30 hectare) area at the heart of Telford which comprises land mainly owned by Telford & Wrekin Council, the International Centre and the recent shopping centre owners Apollo Real Estate and the Hark Group. Apollo and Hark's vision for the future builds on the success of the shopping centre to create an integrated shopping, residential and leisure destination which will be known as ‘The Round’. These exciting new proposals have been designed by Benoy and were launched at the end of last year.

Working with partners, our business investment team are also supporting and encouraging the economic growth of the town by facilitating the expansion of existing businesses, start-ups and inward investment.

The economy of Telford and Wrekin is buoyant and it is already home to some 4,000 companies. This includes major players such as Capgemini, GKN, Craemer, GEKO and EDS who are contributing to the increase in jobs. As a result over 75% of the working age population in Telford are in employment - the highest in the region!

As a business location Telford has a reputation as a competitive place to relocate and is already internationally recognised in areas such as polymers and business and professional services. We are hoping to build on this strength and predict that key sectors for future growth will include building technologies and environmental technologies.

The Tourism sector is also a strength. Telford and Shropshire is now among the top 3 destinations in the region for events, welcoming over 500,000 business visitors per year. Business tourism in this area is worth over £80 million to the local economy and Telford is part of the ‘Conference Triangle’ along with Coventry and Birmingham. Our tourism team have been really busy driving this forward, encouraging high investment in hotel infrastructure such as the expansion of the Telford International Centre and the £7million development of the Q Hotels Telford Golf and Spa Hotel.

There has also been a considerable amount of investment in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. A £10 million grant was awarded by Advantage West Midlands to develop the flagship visitor attraction ‘Blists Hill’ - a commitment to the area which will ensure that it will flourish.

We are also working with the Wolverhampton Telford Technology Corridor (WTTC) to bring forward high technology employment sites that are close to the M54. These will provide superior office accommodation and link in with the e-Innovation Centre and Innovative Product Development Centre at the University of Wolverhampton Telford Campus.

It is anticipated that the population of Telford and Wrekin will grow by 20% over the next two decades. With this in mind we are working with partners to bring forward the sustainable regeneration of some housing estates, together with new housing developments which will contribute to around 20,000 new homes for all incomes and lifestyles, in the next 10 to 15 years. English Partnerships are leading the development of three major projects including Lightmoor Village, Ironstone at Lawley and Telford Millennium Community.

A great deal of work is taking place and we are making great headway in ensuring the economic well being of Telford and Wrekin. There are real opportunities here and by working with partners we aim to ensure that the Town fulfils its potential.”

ENDS