Transforming Telford

People in Telford will have the opportunity to view proposals for the £250 million redevelopment of the Southwater area in the Town Centre at a public exhibition starting this Thursday 8th November. 

The exhibition in Telford Shopping Centre will be on display from Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th November, to allow visitors to see for themselves the ambitious proposals that would radically regenerate the 30 acre (12 hectare) site around the existing Southwater area, by introducing a new 143,000 sq m mixed-use development.

The vision document, which was endorsed by Cabinet on 29th October 2007, was published by economic regeneration company, Transforming Telford with its founding partners national regeneration agency English Partnerships, Advantage West Midlands and Telford & Wrekin Council. 

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.  Meeting Point House and the Library would be replaced with new, improved community facilities.  Together these developments would create and safeguard an estimated 1,750 jobs.

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.

Sarah Raper, Chief Executive of Transforming Telford, said, “It is still very early in the process for this major project and nothing is decided.  However, we very much value the views of local people and would urge them to come to this exhibition and take a look at what we have in mind.  These proposals have been very carefully thought through and there are some really exciting ideas that will make a significant difference to the town.

“However, we will be undertaking further public consultation when a development partner is on board and they are in a position to present more detailed plans.”

The public exhibition will be held in Telford Shopping Centre, near the Southwater Square entrance, at the following times:

Thursday 8th November 10am – 8pm
Friday 9th November 10am – 5pm
Saturday 10th November 10am – 5pm

ENDS
Note to editor:
Transforming Telford has been working closely with Telford & Wrekin Council, English Partnerships and Advantage West Midlands on the vision document, which will be complemented by a number of other emerging proposals.  The Town Centre box road, that currently contains the central retail and commercial area, could be downgraded in part to allow for improved access to the rail and bus services, the Town Park, retail area and Southwater Square.  Surface car parking will be replaced with multi-storey parking and the public realm greatly improved, with Southwater Square an early focus for the Council’s Public Realm Design Strategy.

Press enquiries:

Sue Maguire/Lyanna Tsakiris
Willoughby PR Ltd
Sue 07739 403952        Lyanna  0121 456 3004