Telford Shopping Centre's Northern Quarter works begin

Redevelopment has started on the old ASDA supermarket at Telford Shopping Centre, paving the way for its transformation into an exciting new feature building comprising large, modern shops. Work is also underway to demolish the old ASDA petrol filling station.

Plans for the new 70,000 sq ft Northern Quarter were given the green light by Telford & Wrekin Council at the end of August (2015). The project will create up to seven stores designed to attract new brands to the town, satisfy existing retailer expansion plans and bring a whole new look to this part of the centre.

The new building will be constructed around the shell of the old ASDA, making the redevelopment quicker and reducing its environmental impact. The striking design by Benoy architects will ensure it is a complete transformation from the old store.

Up to five stores will face Red Oak car park, lining the approach to the entrance to the shopping centre. The entrance will be rebuilt with a new tower, which will echo the tower planned for the Southern Quarter. Up to two other stores will face Ash Grey car park, adjacent to the existing entrances to Primark and BHS.

At ground level an attractive and engaging pedestrian route will be created around the building.

Visitors to the centre will see the site hoarded off over the next week and the old ASDA canopy removed. Work on the building will continue throughout 2016, with completion scheduled for 2017.

Demolition of the old ASDA petrol filling station on Red Oak car park will be completed before Christmas.

The Northern and Southern Quarters are part of the multi-million pound masterplan for the redevelopment of shopping centre, which was granted planning permission in 2013. In October the shopping centre announced that TGI Friday’s, Handmade Burger Company and Prezzo would be opening as part of the Southern Quarter development.

Guy Beaumont at Sovereign Centros, which is managing the redevelopment of the shopping centre, said that talks with occupiers for the new Northern Quarter stores were underway whilst construction took place:

“We’re talking to a number of exciting brands about moving to the Northern Quarter, which will offer bigger, more modern space and add to our fantastic shopping line-up at the centre.”

Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Business, Neighbourhood and Customer Services, said: “We are delighted that work has now started on the redevelopment of the Northern Quarter of the Shopping Centre.

“When combined with the planned Southern Quarter redevelopment and the second phase of the Southwater development, it will ultimately contribute to a wonderful new Town Centre for Telford.

“Telford is well and truly on the up and very much the place to be in the West Midlands.”