Submitted artists' impressions of new Southwater development.

Shoppers have given the seal of approval to a £250 million project to transform Telford town centre into a thriving leisure and retail area, after an exhibition focused on the huge revamp.

The exhibition outlining the plans for Southwater Square was staged in the town’s Dean Square on Saturday to gauge the views of shoppers and let people check out the proposals.

Plans include a complex of shops, hotels and other leisure facilities.

The blueprint for the scheme also includes an area around the ice rink and town park as well as major improvements to the town’s conference centre.

The proposal was welcomed by shoppers who viewed the exhibition staged by developers Southwater Events group, which has submitted the scheme alongside Telford & Wrekin Council.

“It’s a surprise to see a company putting so much money into an area during the current financial climate,” said Stan Eaton, of Dawley.

“The faith shown in the region by the developers should be supported by local people who should back the scheme all the way,” he said.

His views were echoed by William Ford, of Wellington, who said the area needed the extra nightlife facilities promised by the proposal.

He said it could attract lots of new business to the town for shops and traders.

“Telford could rival major shopping centres like Merry Hill, Birmingham and Wolverhampton. The new leisure facilities should bring new life to the region,” said the tourism industry worker.

“I especially believe the area needs more nightlife.”

Developer Southwater claims the scheme would create a commercial destination of national importance. The scheme also includes a revamp of the ice rink, a new cinema and leisure park. Extra initiatives include office space and new homes.