Consultation under way on new £8m Telford community centre

Residents in south Telford are having their say on plans for a new £8 million 'one stop shop' community centre.

A consultation event was held at the Hub on the Hill in Sutton Hill this week with a steady flow of visitors taking a sneak peek at plans and artists’ impressions for the site.

"This is a really important project for us," said Councillor Paul Watling, “not only for Sutton Hill but also for broader south Telford."

Telford & Wrekin Council is managing the redevelopment project in partnership with Madeley Town Council. It was decided that demolition and replacement was the best option for the ageing venue.

Councillor Watling added: “Creating a new, modern facility will not only safeguard the hub’s future for generations to come, it will also enable additional facilities to be offered so these are really exciting times."

Councillor Watling said a new neighbourhood health hub is also proposed for the first floor of the new building in Southgate.

It could be used for health checks, mobile screening, vaccinations, and outpatient appointments.

A café and an atrium area for seating and meetings, a community library, a youth and education room, and space for Madeley Town Council are also in the plans.

The single-storey Hub on the Hill will be replaced with a two-storey building.

It will include a new hall, double the height of the existing one, which will be capable of hosting a range of sports and leisure activities.

Councillor Watling (Labour, Madeley and Sutton Hill) said he knows the challenges residents face when they have to travel to appointments at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH).

He underwent daily cancer treatment and was fortunate to have a lift to his appointments.

"Getting from Sutton Hill to RSH by public transport is a day-long trip," he said.

Councillor Watling said the centre could also help the council with its prevention agenda aimed at supporting people in their own homes.

Demolition works at an adjoining building at Severn Walk have been completed, officials confirmed.

The next stage in the project will be the lodging of a planning application.

Officials are aiming to go out to tender in spring 2027, empty and demolish the venue in the summer and have it opened in time for Christmas 2028.

Zoe Broome, the centre manager, said the current building provides for more than 100 regular users.

She is working on a plan to keep services running when the demolition and rebuilding takes place. Officials say keeping the youth club running is vital.

Victoria Biggin, project architect, said there is still the opportunity to tweak the designs based on public feedback.

The current building houses a hairdresser business which will continue at the new space.

Vikki Allen has been hairdressing for men and women at a salon in the centre for the last six years and in the community for a lot longer.

"My clients are more like family members," she said.

"When I started hairdressing here the kids were at primary school. They are now teachers."

The new hub will include improved outside space, with the possibility of an outdoor gym and a community garden.

Leaders also have their eyes set on wider plans for the regeneration of local estates.