Shrewsbury’s eco regeneration plans to bring together hospitality, retail and public space
Shropshire Council has unveiled proposals for a huge re-shaping of the Riverside area of Shrewsbury, in what would be one of the county’s biggest ever development projects.
The new development will include eco-friendly bus services, charging points for electric cars, zero-carbon office space and a mix of shops, restaurants and bars – all next to the new quayside fronting on the River Severn.
This is a major opportunity to transform Shrewsbury’s town centre for generations, creating a truly 21st century destination and experience, taking the town to the water to create a stunning riverside attraction. This is the future of Shrewsbury that respects its past, reconnects it to the River Severn, transforming how we work, how we spend our leisure time and what the town has to offer.
The river has always been central to Shrewsbury, and this now brings that full circle to create a new focal point and a fresh addition to a historic town centre, in tune with the fast-changing world around us, opening up to one of Shrewsbury’s greatest assets – the Severn.
The new development estimates it willl create almost 2,000 jobs as well as plans to build 270 new homes, offering the chance to live, work and relax in the middle of a green, modern town centre.
This transformation should help Shrewsbury attract 750,000 new visits a year and substantially increase investment and footfall for the benefit of existing businesses across the county as part of a wider £800 million investment in the town under the Big Town Plan.
Matt Colledge, Project Director of the High Streets Task Force said: “The High Street Task Force is pleased to see the continuing progress in Shrewsbury as Shropshire Council gives approval for the impressive Riverside masterplan. The bold Council decision to buy the town’s three shopping centres has allowed the consolidation of covered retail into the now thriving Darwin centre and the release of former Pride Hill and Riverside centres to create the development site set to open up the Severn River frontage.
The proposed mix of residential, office, civic agencies and community uses, attractive public realm, hospitality and leisure brings new life and investment to the town centre for the benefit of the existing and new businesses.
Shropshire Council , Shrewsbury Town Council and the BID drove the vision through The Big Town Plan ensuring strong collaboration and adherence to genuine place-making principles which we believe are essential to the long-term success of a vibrant town centre.”
