Work on Wellington YMCA building expected to be completed by summer next year
Work to restore a town centre landmark building is expected to be completed by next summer.
The regeneration project of a historic building on Walker Street in the centre of Wellington began last month as scaffolding was erected and the site closed off.
Telford and Wrekin Council has announced today (October 18) that the work carried out by contractor Pave Aways is due to be completed by summer next year. The building has served many purposes over the years, including as a child welfare centre and midwife centre as well as being used by St John Ambulance.
The YMCA then subsequently bought the building in 1920 and used it for several uses.
Work at the building is part of the council''s investment into the regeneration of the town. Telford and Wrekin Council secured more than £12 million in Government funding from the Towns Fund and Capital Regeneration Programme, as well as additional funding, to deliver works on Walker Street and a series of other projects in the conservation area.
The works are aimed at boosting retail, leisure and hospitality offerings in the town, and includes the acquisition and restoration of Wellington's historic market and the further refurbishment of Wellington Orbit.
The council said funding will also deliver improvements to public spaces and the purchasing and restoration of other "key buildings" to deliver more "high quality living accommodation and improved commercial spaces".
The town's pedestrianised conservation area is also being enhanced to provide a "vibrant and active setting for Wellington's growing number of independent shops, character cafes and high quality office and living space".
In preparation for the works, and on a temporary basis, some of the town's street furniture including bollards and cycle hoops have been removed from Tan Bank pedestrian approach.
The council said street furniture will be reinstalled and upgraded in this area upon completion of the works in spring next year.
Telford and Wrekin Council is investing a total of £135 million during the next three years into projects including the Station Quarter development to "build a better borough".
The local authority added that the work in Wellington is aiming to lay the foundations for the future giving residents "opportunities to learn new skills, secure good jobs, enjoy top cultural activities and live in an attractive place which they can be proud of".
Telford and Wrekin Council Leader, Councillor Lee Carter, said: "We're delighted that work has started to redevelop this historic building at 1 Walker Street, which will create new living and retail space in the town.
"The upper floors of this historic building have been empty for more than 15 years but after we successfully received Towns Funding and supporting the project with further match funding, plans to revitalise this building can now start to progress.
"We are committed to the regeneration of Wellington and continuing to bring more shops into the centre and creating more town centre living space."
Chair of Telford Towns Fund Board, Graham Wynn, added: "Through the Towns Fund and additional funding we are transforming Wellington and bringing historic buildings such as 1 Walker Street back into use.
"This project underlines our commitment to making Wellington a thriving and vibrant community which residents and visitors can be proud of and boosting the local economy.
"We're excited to see work underway on this site which will create new opportunities for all."