Consultation on plans for new public square
FRESH proposals for an enhancement to Telford town centre are being put out for public consultation.
The draft concept includes plans for a public square outside the mixed-use Southwater development.
Southwater Square would provide open views to the lake with new green and shaded areas plus the potential for an events space, fountains and night-time lighting.
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The thinking behind the scheme is to link the main shopping centre with Telford Park by creating a public facility where people can congregate outdoors.
Telford & Wrekin Council has said it envisages the open space being used for a range of events such as gigs, theatre, outdoor cinema and family activities or simply as a space for relaxing and meeting up with friends.
The Square will extend from outside Southwater One, down Main Street parallel with Wildwood restaurant.
The original plans for Southwater, approved in 2010, were to build a major new council office complex on this area.
However, after listening to people’s views, the council has changed these plans to now keep the area as an open public space that will complement Southwater One.
When Southwater opened in 2014, the area designated for the square was temporarily grassed ready for further development. However, the council said the grassed space had very poor drainage, limiting its use by the public and for events.
Council leader, Cllr Shaun Davies said: “We’ve listened to local people’s views and want to use this space in a way that keeps it open and where people, meet, relax and enjoy the area.
“This area opposite Wildwood will remain open for people to use, whether it’s meeting friends and having a family picnic or enjoying a show or activity. It’ll give great views towards our award winning town park.
“Proposed features such as a stunning lighting and water fountain, will add even more of a ‘wow’ factor to the area helping to attract more footfall.
“The borough already attracts over five million trips a year with visitors spending more than £42m here – I am sure this iconic space in the heart of Telford will help make our borough even more of an attraction.”
The consultation closes on July 18 and final designs for Southwater Square will go before planners later this summer.
Subject to planning permission, work on Southwater Square could begin in the autumn and be complete by spring 2017, ready for Telford’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2018.
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