Telford's Southwater earthworks near completion
Earthworks to prepare the Southwater site in Telford Town Centre for construction are nearing completion with temporary grassed areas and paths being put in place.
During the past 12 months local company McPhillips prepare the area for development – allowing Telford & Wrekin Council to build on some of it while selling other parts off to developers.
Ground levels across the whole Southwater area have been changed to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists and to create a main street which will link the new International and Southwater Squares.
Southwater Lake has been drained and a hollow formed ready for the replacement lake to be created during next year which again is part of the preparation works to develop a new street and further development.
Beneath the temporary paths and roads are upgraded gas, electric, water, telecoms and district heating pipework which will serve the future buildings that are to be constructed.
The temporary tarmac and grassed areas will be developed on during the next few years.
Southwater Square will have three major buildings, including a multiscreen cinema, constructed on three sides during 2012 and 2013, with the final square being formed in 2014.
“Southwater will ultimately feature a series of exciting public spaces taking people through granite paved urban squares to the new lake and out to the Town Park with its new visitor centre,” said Telford & Wrekin Council leader Kuldip Sahota.
“It will include a variety of spaces for a wide range of activities, from organised events to quiet contemplation.
“The squares and main street are to be designed to enable the restaurants, cafes and bars to bring out tables and chairs and there will also be space for events such as farmers’ markets.
“People should be assured that what is there at the moment is only temporary and there is much more to come.”
The construction of the first buildings in Southwater is planned to start later in 2012.
A new Visitor Centre in the Town Park will be completed by the end of the year and the first phase of new play areas will be completed by spring of next year.
The replacement lake and the surrounding planting will be created during 2012. The final high quality paving of the roads, squares and paths through Southwater will commence as soon as the first phase of building projects are nearing completion, which is expected to be late summer 2013.
The Southwater development is a partnership between Telford & Wrekin Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, in conjunction with private sector partners including Southwater Event Group.
