The huge £250 million transformation of Telford town centre will be unveiled to the public for the first time next week, council chiefs said today.

Plans for the Southwater site, between the town park and Telford Shopping Centre, will reveal what the area will look like after a complete revamp and expansion.

Chiefs from Telford & Wrekin Council want to create “a living, working and playing hub”.

The decision by bosses of Telford International Centre (TIC) to withdraw from the £1 billion redevelopment plans drawn up by Hark Apollo, shopping centre owners, and link up with Telford & Wrekin Council instead, has been key to the blueprint.

Just two years ago, Hark unveiled plans to create a mixed-use town centre, called The Round, closely linked to what was to be a Convention Quarter with hotels, flats and public performance space based around the TIC.

Revamp

But Telford & Wrekin Council later revealed its own plans for a town centre revamp, which now includes supermarket giant Asda buying the Civic Offices. They have also pulled out of The Round plans.

A public exhibition showcasing the new council plans will be staged in Southwater Square from Thursday to Saturday.

Nigel Newman, council spokesman, said the transformation would involve Southwater Lake, TIC, Meeting Point House, Southwater Square, the ice rink, library, bowling alley and the bingo hall.

A new public square with improved walkways to Telford Shopping Centre, TIC and Telford Town Park is also on the cards.ÊÊÊ

It is hoped the proposals will kick-start wider regeneration of the town centre, which could include 400 new homes, office space, restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as hotels, a learning and media centre, leisure facilities and a new Meeting Point House.

Additional leisure provision may also include a replacement ice rink, swimming pool, bowling alley and bingo hall.

Economic development company Transforming Telford is set to submit an outline planning application for the Southwater Core area in June.

By Simon Hardy