A £56 million development at Oswestry’s livestock market could be up and running by summer 2011 if plans are given the go-ahead, it has been revealed.Liberty Mercian, a property development company, and Oswestry Cattle Auctions, which is based on the site, have submitted a joint outline planning application to Oswestry Borough Council, seeking permission to redevelop the Smithfield Livestock Market in Shrewsbury Road.
The scheme, which would create more than 800 jobs if given the go-ahead, would bring a host of retail and leisure facilities and a major redevelopment of the town’s cattle market.
The plans include a new supermarket and petrol filling station, three family restaurants, four non-food retail units, a five-screen cinema, modern office space and a private dental surgery.
Investment is also planned in the cattle market, which will allow for new office space, animal pens, vehicle washing facilities and IT upgrades.
Simon Hoare, spokesman for the development partners, said that following an extensive consultation the two companies believe they have addressed the concerns of local people.
They plan to introduce a commuter park-and-ride service with 98 spaces, therefore freeing up spaces in the town centre for shoppers. The retail and leisure element has 824 car parking spaces which will be provided free of charge for up to five hours.
This will allow people to shop both in the town centre and at the new development.
A free shuttle bus service will also be provided, connecting the development with the town centre.
It has also been confirmed Oswestry Town Council, which owns the site, would ring-fence money made from the sale of the land for town-based projects.
Chris Towers, of Liberty Mercian, said: “Our proposal complements the existing businesses of the town centre.”
Rival proposals are due to be submitted to the council.
Joinery firm Richard Burbidge wants to build a major retail and leisure development, including a supermarket, off Whittington Road and JT Hughes and Guttercrest want to build a supermarket in Victoria Road.
Only one development will be given the go-ahead.
By Suzanne Roberts
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