Big names confirmed for Telford's Southwater development
High quality restaurant tenants have been confirmed for Telford's £250m Southwater development – as the ambitious plan to kick start a vibrant night time economy in the town centre gathers pace.
The new businesses are due to open by the end of 2014 and are expected to create 260 new jobs at the heart of Southwater
Cineworld has already been announced as operator of the new Southwater Square's 11 screen multiplex cinema and chief executive Steve Wiener was in Telford today to meet council leader Kuldip Sahota.
Now eight instantly recognisable names from the hotel and catering industry have also been announced as operators of surrounding buildings.
They include Bella Italia, Chimichanga, Harvester, Nando's, Premier Inn, Pizza Express, Wagamama and Zizzi.
The restaurants will face on to the new Southwater Square and will have terraces for outdoor dining bringing a range of cuisines to the heart of Telford including Italian, Mexican, Asian and Portuguese.
Detailed planning approval for the development was granted earlier this month and work is due to start on site in the summer, with the development expected to be completed by the end of 2013.
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Kuldip Sahota said: "This announcement is a major landmark in the progress of the Southwater development and signals the dawn of a very exciting era for Telford town centre.
"I am delighted that we have been able to attract such well known and respected names to the development and it is fantastic that we already at a stage where we can announce such tangible news.
"The development will transform Telford town centre and give it a vibrant beating heart, which was always the council's aim."
Toby Baines, chairman of the site developer Citygrove Securities, said: "The development has attracted high quality restaurant tenants and will create 260 jobs that will ensure that the scheme is a success.
"Along with the commitment, focus and forward thinking of Telford & Wrekin Council, we have ensured that this is the right scheme for the residents of Telford and one which will be enjoyed for many years."
Separately the Council has also announced it is buying vacant office development Addenbrooke House in Telford Town Centre.
The move to Addenbrooke House, which is next to the Council's other main town centre presence at Darby House, will ensure that Telford & Wrekin maintains a significant presence in the town centre with more than 1,200 staff.
The Council plans to temporarily relocate its First Point centre into Addenbrooke House until 2014 when it opens a new a community hub building as part of the Southwater development.
