Riverside regeneration scheme could create more than 1,000 new jobs in Shrewsbury - report

The council says a maximum of 1,109 jobs could be created by the development, including up to 89 additional construction jobs.

In addition, the scheme could create additional spending between £0.5 and £2.5 million per year in Shrewsbury town centre - along with a potential extra £1.55 million in business rates for the council.

A report prepared for councillors detailing the economic benefits of a proposed mixed-use scheme sets out the council's ambitions for the development, ahead of a decision on the application next Tuesday, April 22.

Outline permission to demolish the former Riverside Shopping Centre precinct in Shrewsbury was approved in 2024, and work began to clear the site late last year.

In its place, the council plans to build three large buildings intended for office, residential and hotel use, with additional space for food and drink units on the ground floor.

However, the mixed-use scheme may go against current council planning policy which favours retail development in the county's main shopping areas over other uses.

"The proposed development represents a departure from local planning policy, in that the site is allocated to deliver a retail-led scheme, [however] the future intention of this site has been well established as set out in adopted masterplan and framework documents... all of which set out a vision for the Riverside area to become a mixed-use area that contributes towards the regeneration and growth of Shrewsbury town centre," said a planner's report due to go before the committee next week.

A planning statement submitted with the application in November 2024 said Shrewsbury town centre had experienced a "performance decline" alongside a "big increase in vacancies through store closures" - which the council says reduces the need for the regeneration scheme to provide space for retail.

"It is acknowledged that the retail requirements set out in the adopted policies will not be met through the Proposed Development or Phase 1 more generally," said a statement submitted with the proposals.

"There is presumption in favour of retail proposals in ground floor premises and changes of use away from retail will be resisted unless for a main town centre use and to support regeneration of the town centre.

"As the main centre for commercial, civic and administrative activities, the success of Shrewsbury Town Centre is critical, but it is the council’s preference to diversify the town centre and consolidate, protect and enhance the existing retail offer in and around Pride Hill."

The proposals will be decided at a meeting of Shropshire Council's Northern Planning Committee on Tuesday, April 22.