A new facelift for Shrewsbury

Following last Thursday (5 April 2012)’s Central Area Planning Committee, Shropshire Council has given the go-ahead for a new look and significant financial boost to Shrewsbury town centre.

An application to redevelop sections of the Riverside, Pride Hill and Charles Darwin Shopping Centres has been approved, proposing high-quality design, employment generation and protection for the vitality and viability of the area. 

Councillor Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, welcomed the development and the improvements to the county town:

“This is a crucial time for our market towns in Shropshire, and this development will deliver great benefits including new business units, and increase the footfall through the whole of Shrewsbury town centre, improving the area for shoppers and local businesses alike.  This development is the first of a number of key projects within the town as part of the Shrewsbury Vision Regeneration Framework which seeks to deliver quality investments resulting in new jobs and a vibrant town centre.

“Over 450 jobs will be created during the construction period, with a further 150 retail jobs.  Once complete, there will also be an opportunity for new office accommodation.  I look forward to the creation of this development and the boost it will give Shropshire. There will be investment in excess of £150 million, which the developers have committed to use in partnership with the wide variety of independent shops and businesses to make Shrewsbury a great place to work, live and visit.”