'We're putting Telford on the map' - Regeneration work ramps up as shoppers urged to back local traders

The Oakengates Theatre Quarter scheme, a project to regenerate 1960's era shop fronts on Limes Walk and Market Street intended to coincide with regeneration work on the nearby Telford Theatre, is scheduled to wrap up over the summer.

Around 10 tenant businesses were relocated either temporarily or permanently as part of the scheme, with the town's outdoor market also moved temporarily from the middle of Limes Walk to an area next to the bus station.

Now, Telford and Wrekin Council has urged shoppers to back their local traders as work on other improvements gets underway, amid concerns from local businesses during the works.

Work on the new theatre is due to start shortly, with the development of a public events space to host events including an expanded open-air market also due to get underway in the Autumn.

"We're carrying out major improvements to shop frontages on Limes Walk in the town centre as part of the theatre quarter project to make it a more attractive place to shop and visit, as well as a new pedestrianised area and a new theatre, which work is set to start on shortly," said Councillor Ollie Vickers, our Cabinet Member for the Economy.

"Businesses are open as usual during these development projects so please come along and see what's on offer and support local businesses on your doorstep."

The scheme is part of a £22.3 million scheme funded by the government's Towns Fund, aimed at regenerating areas of Telford Town Centre, Wellington and Oakengates.

At a meeting held in May, some Oakengates business owners told Telford & Wrekin Council bosses that the town was a "demolition site", and urged the council to come up with a survival plan while works were ongoing.

The council says the works will create a "modern, welcoming shopping destination", while the Telford Theatre project will support the local economy with an exciting new cultural programme which would bring footfall to the town.

Councillor Vickers said the improvements set to get underway at the new theatre would "put Telford on the map" and make sure it remained competitive with other nearby venues.

"Oakengates is a really good example of where we've got a real passion to put investment into the area and make sure it's a more attractive and modern place for busineses and residents alike," he said.

"The brand new theatre we're building in Oakengates is going to completely transform the space there - it's going to have a new restaurant and bar as well and that development is going to really put Telford on the map.

"It'll make sure we've got that competition with the other big theatres in our region, and make sure we're one of those competitors bringing people in and spending money in the local economy.

"The brand new open air market is going to fantastic for lots of small to medium sized traders in terms of being able to open up there. More events in the square will bring more footfall into the town, and all of this is part of our ambitious plan to build a better Oakengates just as we're doing in other parts of the town."

Work on the Telford Theatre regeneration project is due to complete in late 2026.