Huge car parks and 'dancing' fountains - Critics offer suggestions for Shrewsbury after plans shared for 'money pit' riverside revamp
Critics have branded Shrewsbury's riverside regeneration project a "money pit" and "woolly in detail" - with one suggesting investing in huge car parks and "dancing" fountains.
Plans were submitted shortly before Christmas to demolish the Riverside Shopping Centre and several other neighbouring buildings to make way for a new public park.
It is all part of the Smithfield Riverside project, which are also expected to include new offices and leisure facilities, including restaurants and a cinema.
Shropshire Council's deputy leader, Councillor Ian Nellins, described the project as "the heartbeat of our plans to attract new visitors, residents, businesses and jobs into Shrewsbury, and growing the county’s economy".
However, the proposal has not gone down so well with everyone.
One objector, Shaun Wilson, felt the artist's impressions of the park looked unimaginative, and insisted extra car parking would be a good money maker for the town.
"A lot of emphasis seems to be going on this little corner of greenery you want at the junction of Roushill/Smithfield Road," he said.
"While it looks ok, in my opinion. It's not a very imaginative vision.