Telford Shopping Centre's Southern Quarter plans revealed
Plans for the first phase of redevelopment of Telford Shopping Centre have been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council.
The proposals for the Southern Quarter development comprise new restaurants and cafés, housed in a stylish contemporary new building to replace the unattractive ‘Green Shed’, which is currently being demolished.
Subject to planning consent, the 26,500 sq ft building would feature an elegant, gently-curved frontage creating a new landscaped public area and space for the restaurants and cafes to have extensive outside seating.
The plans would create a vibrant link joining Telford Shopping Centre, the new leisure facilities at Southwater and the new ASDA store. A striking ‘gateway’ tower at the western end of the building is designed to provide a strong sense of arrival when approached from Brown Elm Car Park.
New landscaping would also be introduced including trees, benches and planting to provide an attractive setting for the new restaurants.
The proposals are the first part of the five-year masterplan for the transformation of Telford Town Centre, which was given the green light by Telford & Wrekin Council at the end of 2013. The five-year strategy will see the 1m sq ft centre increase in size by as much as 80%, with new shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and other leisure uses.
The Southern Quarter plans closely reflect the key development design principles set out in the masterplan – particularly the aim of creating new public squares and spaces lined with active uses such as restaurants and cafés, open during the day and into the evening.
Demolition of the old ‘Green Shed’ which occupied the Southern Quarter site commenced at the start of July 2014 and is expected to be completed towards the end
of the year.
Commenting on the planning application, Tim Binnington, Chairman of Sovereign Land, said:
“We’re delighted to put forward our plans for the first phase of the transformation of
Telford Shopping Centre. This is an important and exciting milestone for the whole redevelopment masterplan.
“The proposed scheme will complement and extend the experience offered by the new leisure at Southwater, helping to create a more integrated, more attractive town centre for visitors.
“The stylish modern building has been carefully designed to enhance the environment and create an attractive public space linking ASDA, Telford Shopping Centre and Southwater – all with direct access to the car park and new cycle storage facilities.”
The planning application will be soon be available to view at www.telford.gov.uk/planningapplications where members of the public are able to submit feedback on the proposals.
