A total of 2,500 homes could be built in the centre of Telford over the next seven years, it was revealed today.

The development, if approved, will then be used to support other major proposed projects designed to transform Telford Town Centre, such as the long-awaited creation of a link road between the A442 and the M54.

New multi-storey car parks could also be built to encourage people to park and walk into the centre and the ice rink would be replaced.

Telford Library would be transformed into a Media and Learning Centre and the Southwater area, including the square, lake and Town Park, would be improved.

The proposals are part of a massive development blueprint, unveiled by Telford & Wrekin Council today, called the Central Telford Area Action Plan.

It covers the Town Centre, Central Park, Old Park, Hollinswood and Malinslee areas and allows space for shops to be increased by two thirds and office space to shoot up by 50 per cent.

Vision

Plans are also in place to make the centre more easily accessible for bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as for motorists.

Council chiefs behind the ambitious plan believe it will transform the centre of the town between now and 2016.

Councillor Miles Hoskin, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “This gives a clear plan to deliver the vision that the council, its partners and the community have for the town centre and the surrounding area.

“It shows how the centre can become a thriving and vibrant place where people live, work and visit to enjoy their leisure time and not somewhere people think shuts when the shops close.”

The action plan, to be considered by Telford & Wrekin Council’s ruling cabinet on April 6, proposes building most of the homes in the town centre and adding 77,000 square metres of non-food, retail space.

An additional 110,000 square metres of office space is also being allowed for.

Funding would come from the council and a variety of sources, including the Government. The plan has been drawn up after consultations with a range of groups over the last five years.

By Simon Hardy