Future of Shrewsbury's famous Quarry under spotlight as local team appointed

A trio of property firms in Shrewsbury has been appointed to develop a management plan for the town's famous Quarry park.

Architecture practices Camlins and BCHN have joined forces with consultancy Berrys to create the conservation management plan.

The Quarry spans 29 acres in Shrewsbury town centre next to the River Severn and is the focal point of a host of different activities and events including the town's annual 10k run and food festival, weekly parkrun and concerts as well as providing a place for exercise and socialising.

The aim of the plan is to guide the future care, protection and enhancement of the Quarry, ensuring it remains welcoming and accessible while responding to changing environmental, social and operational needs.

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Also supporting the team are arboricultural specialist Salopian Consultancy and playground firm Hightopp Creations, bringing together expertise in fields as diverse as landscape architecture, heritage, ecology, play and wayfinding.

Paul Shirley Smith and Mike Cruise, directors with Camlins and BCHN respectively, were also closely involved in the creation of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan.

Mr Shirley Smith said: "The Quarry is one of the great public spaces in Shropshire and a real jewel in Shrewsbury's crown that has been wonderfully maintained by the council. It has huge importance not only as a historic park but as a place that people use, enjoy and identify with every day.

"This project is about understanding what makes it special, protecting that character and finding sensitive, practical ways to help it thrive long into the future. What is particularly powerful about this team is the depth of local knowledge around the table.

"We know the Quarry, we know Shrewsbury and we understand the wider conversations already taking place about the future of the town. That gives us a strong foundation for developing a plan that is ambitious, realistic and shaped by the people who care most about this space."

Councillor Rob Wilson, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council which appointed the team, added: "The Quarry is one of Shrewsbury's most important public assets and this conservation management plan will play a vital role in helping us preserve it for future generations.

"It is encouraging to have such a strong team in place, with genuine local expertise and a clear understanding of both the park's significance and the expectations the community rightly has for it.

"This will be a collaborative process and we are looking forward to speaking to as many people as possible as the project evolves.

"We want to make sure the plan reflects not just the heritage of the Quarry but also responds to how people use it today and how it might be used in the future, all underpinned by a commitment to retaining this incredibly special green community space that is an essential part of Shrewsbury's identity."

The town council is holding its annual general meeting on Thursday (April 30) at the Guildhall in Frankwell and the management plan will form part of the discussions. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.