Work going well on £250m Telford Southwater development

Millions of pounds is being invested into two major projects designed to boost Telford's night-time economy and create a wealth of new facilities for residents.

The first phase of the Southwater development is due to open in April, and work to put together the structure is well under way.

Once complete, the £250 million development will include an 11-screen Cineworld cinema, a number of bars and restaurants, a 700-space multi-storey car park, an 83-bed Premier Inn hotel, a visitor centre and the fully refurbished and extended ice rink.

Also due for completion in the spring is the Southwater 1 building, which will feature a new main library, a tourist information centre, bars, restaurants and a cafe.

The full development is going to be spread across three phases, spanning 15 years.

These future long-term plans will include extending the multi-storey car park and building restaurants and another hotel within the next seven years.

Within the full 15 years it is hoped that more offices and restaurants will be added to the space.

Councillor Charles Smith, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for housing, development and borough towns, said: "It has been a long time coming and I'm very excited about it, it will transform the town. This will make a big impact, the town centre will be alive longer in the day than it is at the moment.

"Plus with the new hotel, tourists can come and enjoy the town and the town park."

A further £200 million is set to be invested into the town centre itself. The project is due to create thousands of jobs.

Plans submitted earlier this month are expected to see the development of the town centre in four zones, beginning on the current Asda as the store moves into a new home on the site of the former Civic Offices in March.

The proposals will also feature a new look for the Central Square, an on-street bus station replacing the existing station at the rear of the centre and changes to the Southern Quarter, which borders with the Southwater development

The work could increase the size of Telford Shopping Centre by up to 400,000 sq ft of retail and nearly 250,000 sq ft of restaurants, cafes and bars. The strategy also includes better pedestrian access and new public spaces.

New buildings at the entrance to the town centre will improve the appearance for people arriving in Telford.

Councillor Smith said: "This will make the town centre more friendly for pedestrians and help them enjoy all the new facilities."