Go ahead given for new Northern Quarter at Telford Shopping Centre

Up to seven new stores totalling 70,000 sq ft will be created through the redevelopment of the former ASDA supermarket, dramatically transforming the northern part of the shopping centre and providing space to attract new brands to Telford.

Five of the Northern Quarter’s new stores will face Red Oak car park, which will be enlarged to provide a total of 913 spaces. The stores will line the approach to the main shopping centre entrance, which will itself be completely rebuilt with a new tower to match the Southern Quarter development.

A further two stores will face Ash Grey car park, adjacent to the existing entrances to Primark and BHS.

The striking design of the Northern Quarter, by architects Benoy, includes a new modern façade facing Lawn Central, with 3D effect ‘Trespa’ cladding. The north east corner of the building will include a 27ft high metallic ‘drum’ creating a sense of arrival when approaching the town centre and hiding the building’s service yard.

At ground level a key feature of the plans is the creation of an attractive, engaging pedestrian route around the building, punctuated by areas of public art, wayfinding, signage, seating and planting.

The Northern Quarter is the largest development in Telford to be unveiled since the multi-million pound masterplan for the redevelopment of shopping centre was granted planning permission in 2013.

Work on five new restaurants as part of the Southern Quarter, next to Southwater, is due to begin in the next few months. Advanced discussions are currently underway with restaurant operators to open as part of the development.

Alexandra Pugh at Sovereign Land, which is managing the redevelopment of the shopping centre, said that the Northern Quarter would ensure the centre continued to attract new retailers to Telford:

“We’re delighted to have been given the green light for the Northern Quarter, which is set to transform this part of the town centre.

“By creating new large, modern stores we can make sure we continue to attract new brands, providing more choice for customers and adding to Telford’s reputation for great shopping.”

Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Business, added:

“I am very pleased that the Shopping Centre is now in a position to start work on the planned Northern Quarter development.

“The masterplan for the future of the Shopping Centre will complement the Southwater development and demonstrates further new investment in our town centre.

“This in turn shows business confidence in the borough. We have a clear vision of where we want to get to and we now have a very positive partnership with the Shopping Centre. I keep saying it – Telford is on the up!”