£250m Telford development 'exceeding all expectations', says council boss

Telford & Wrekin Council leader, Councillor Kuldip Sahota, said Southwater had re-energised the town and the development's aims of creating more jobs and boosting the local economy had been achieved already.

He was speaking today as the development – which includes the lake, a new library, Costa Coffee, Cineworld iMax and Starbucks and a host of restaurants including Nando's, Zizzi's and Pizza Express – prepares to host a spectacular opening ceremony.

Mr Sahota said: "We are very pleased with Southwater has gone since the first facilities opened in June.

"Last week one of the restaurants, Zizzi's, said it was going to recruit some more workers which is positive and that is pretty good news. In fact, about three weeks ago some members of my own family went to Southwater on a Saturday night and told me they could not get a table, I said 'I am sorry you did not get a table' but in a way that is good news.

"It shows that there is something new in town that people want to visit and want to try out.

"We are very pleased with it. All the restaurants and businesses are busy and that means more jobs and more growth for the local economy and that was our aim and purpose and we have achieved it and we will be opening it officially today.

"All the reaction has been positive and upbeat. We are seeing people take pictures of the area around the lake and sending them to the Shropshire Star and uploading them on Twitter, it shows people out there are looking at it and admiring it, it has really re-energised the town.

"The Southwater project has also given confidence next door to Telford Town Centre, with £200 million being invested over five years. You do not just get investment like that coming in, it shows they have the confidence in Telford."

He said the project's second part which could see apartments at the site. "We are working on it but these things take time to clear all kids of planning issues and stuff," he added.

Users, including members of the public and restaurant owners shared Mr Sahota's view that Telford had been transformed.

See also: Wagamama opts out of Southwater.

William Goodwin, 28, of Malinslee, said he was a member of Cineworld already.

"I think it has been really good for Telford," he said. "Walking through Southwater it does not look like Telford to be honest, it has brought more opportunities to the town and there is more to do, it has definitely helped brighten the place up.

"The council officers are closer, the library is better and there are a lot of restaurants."

Rob Chapman, deputy manager of Harvester, added: "We have been open five weeks today and things are going really well. We are doing about £1,000 of breakfasts a week.

"It seems to be that guests are happy and enthusiastic about the place and that there is now a venue to go and eat out in at the town."

The council's arts and culture team have been preparing for the celebration and have involved hundreds of Telford & Wrekin residents in creating lanterns and other props for the days' various shows.

John Cocker, creative development team leader, said: "We have been really working on the community involvement in the finale, we wanted to involve local people from Telford in this event.

"They have helped create lanterns for the parade around the park and the lake. At the moment we have got 70 people who are going to be actively involved in the parade which will culminate in a fireworks display.

"The town shopping centre gave us two units in the centre one we used as a gallery which we promoted it on facebook and in leaflets to invite the community to visit. We have also used Arts Council funding to contact artists who are used to producing outdoor public arts.

"It has been a real opportunity for people in Telford and it is somewhere they can come to interact with arts and poetry. Tis is just the start we want to see arts and cultural activities continue in what is a community hub here at Southwater.

"What I am really looking forward to is the fact that the official launch will have been produced by local people. I am chuffed to bits that I have had people with all sorts of skills come and offer those skills which have gone into making the show."

The opening event was starting at noon today and was running throughout the day, ending with a light parade and fireworks finale.

Events include family activities, including story telling and arts and crafts sessions.

Markets were selling hot food, local ales and ciders, cake and treats as well as crafts and Christmas gifts. Telford Ice Rink was offering £5 entry fee on public skating sessions throughout the day.

Street theatre and entertainment was taking place all day, with a special appearance from celebrity robot Titan.

There were also stage performances from local acts from Telford & Wrekin, including dance, drama and music groups. From 6pm, children's TV and Free Radio presenters Sam and Mark will take to the stage with entertainment including their £1,000 a minute competition.