Shropshire Star

Community to decide fate of former Telford youth centre site

A popular former Telford youth centre saved from the bulldozers could be brought back into community use - and residents will be asked to decide what exactly for.

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Telford & Wrekin Council is asking people in St Georges to give their views on potential future uses for the former Gower Street Youth Centre.

A survey of about 750 households in the area will be carried out to draw up a picture of what residents think should happen to the Grade II-listed site, which was closed as a leisure facility in 2007.

The consultation will ask about people's leisure activities and requirements, what facilities they use, what they feel is needed in St Georges and what they feel the former youth centre could and should be used for.

Councillor Richard Overton, the authority's deputy leader, said: "The survey is going out to residents in the area during the course of this week and it will come with a covering letter explaining what we are aiming to achieve.

"There has already been some fantastic work done by local residents, including the Gower Heritage Group to keep the site looking as presentable as possible.

"I would urge everyone who gets the survey to respond to it and hopefully we'll come out with an appropriate scheme for the future of the building."

Councillor John Minor, St Georges ward member, added: "As the council owns the building, to help us with planning for its future we would like to fund out what people think about the current community facilities in St George's and what you think about the Gower Street building.

"The consultation will go on until September 14 and any individuals who want to take part in the survey should contact the council's delivery and planning team and they will either email or post a numbered questionnaire."

The distinctive building was used as a hospital, school and youth club during its 140 years before being forced to close and in January this year was set to be demolished after seven years of neglect.

Telford & Wrekin Council had reached a deal with Wrekin Housing Trust and Lancroft Developments for 10 houses, six flats and a store to be built on the land.

But when residents with "strong affection" for the 140-year-old former hospital, school and youth club objected, the council made a U-turn and pulled out of the sale.

The change of heart came despite the authority revealing it was spending £160 a month on security for the building, which would cost more than £1 million to restore to a fit state, however, the council has previously warned it would not be able to offer any cash for its restoration.

Gower Street was inspected by English Heritage before Christmas after an application was submitted to have it listed.

To receive the consultation document, email delivery&planning@telford.gov.uk or call 01952 382131. Anyone who has questions about either the survey or the building should contact counillors Overton or Minor on 01952 380215.

What do you think should happen to the site? Email newsroom@shropshirestar.co.uk or call 01952 241456.

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