Oakengates Limes Walk completion leads to next stage of regeneration works

Telford & Wrekin Council says the transformation of shop units on Limes Walk in Oakengates is now complete, ahead of the next stage of works progressing at pace to regenerate the town centre.

The external shop canopy on Limes Walk has been removed, opening up the area and allowing more light to reach the shop frontages, and temporary public realm works as part of the wider theatre project have been delivered by Morris Property.

Properties have been demolished to make way for the large public realm area which will include a new pedestrianised zone, square and public spaces which adjoin Limes Walk and Market Street.

The square and community spaces, which are being created as part of the Theatre Quarter project, support the wider Telford Theatre plans and are located directly outside the theatre.

The Theatre Quarter works will open up the rest of Oakengates town, linking this area with Market Street where many other businesses and services are based, as well as becoming a focal point for live events and an enhanced market.

Completion of the first phases of the Theatre Quarter project have seen businesses move into transformed retail units which improve the overall appearance of the town centre, with further new businesses set to move in, while apartments above the retail units are now fully let.

This year, throughout the construction period. a programme of events is being finalised for Oakengates as part of Morris Property’s social value offer.

They include a series of street entertainment events as well as children’s trails in the summer and for Halloween.

Social value projects are initiatives that aim to create better outcomes for the wider community beyond the direct economic or functional purpose of a project. 

Projects can help to create jobs and training opportunities for local people, source from local suppliers and improve community wellbeing.

Meanwhile, the new ‘Turning Pages @ Oakengates Library’ at 6-8 Limes Walk has been handed over to Oakengates Town Council and will be completely fitted out this month before officially opening to the public in mid-April.

This works will ensure an essential library service continues in Oakengates and the new library will include a refreshment offer and seating area where people can meet up and socialise and for use by community groups.

The new library will be accessible with direct frontage onto Limes Walk which will look out onto the new pedestrianised area.

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said:

“Oakengates has seen huge improvements throughout this project and retail spaces in this area are now much more appealing to visit and we hope they will drive more footfall to the high street.

“This latest works will improve the overall look and feel of the town centre with a square and new public spaces which will look very attractive outside the new adjoining theatre once complete. We’re also extremely excited to see the new Oakengates Library open next month.

“It’s fantastic to see this project progressing well and it’s all part of our commitment to make Oakengates and the Borough a better place to live, learn, work and socialise.”

Steve Flavell, Construction Manager at Morris Property, said:

“We are pleased to have worked with Telford & Wrekin Council and the local community throughout the regeneration of Limes Walk.

“The project has transformed the area and we are excited to see the next stage of works unfold.”