Plans for £77m ‘game changing’ mixed-use scheme unveiled

Plans for a £77m “game-changing, mixed-use” scheme which would create almost 2,000 jobs have been revealed.

Major ambitions to transform Shrewsbury’s town centre and riverside area have been unveiled by Shropshire Council, with a development combining shops, restaurants, bars and hotels with zero-carbon offices and 270 homes.

The council said the 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 £800m investment in the town under the Big Town Plan.

Cllr Ed Potter, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and planning, said: “This is a game-changing mixed-use development combining new leisure attractions, vibrant hospitality and public space, a new quayside and hotels to support the town’s existing retail while bringing new workspace that can attract high quality jobs into the town.

“A place where you arrive by a brand-new eco-friendly bus, on your bicycle or somewhere you can park – and charge – your electric vehicle.

“A place you can work in a zero-carbon office and enjoy a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants and bars – all next to the new quayside fronting on the River Severn.

“A development that will create almost 2,000 jobs, see a modern, friendly multi agency hub and offices open with 500 spaces for workers, allowing the public to access what they need where and when they need it.

“Somewhere with a brand-new bus facility, a high-quality transport hub kitted out for modern vehicles with more charge points, better lighting and bigger spaces.”

The plans will be presented to Shropshire Council’s cabinet at a meeting on Wednesday February 16.