Green light for next chapter in Shrewsbury’s Smithfield Riverside revamp

Plans for the next stage of Smithfield Riverside’s regeneration have taken a step forward, with outline planning permission granted by Shropshire Council’s Northern Planning Committee.

Part of a wider vision led by the council and development manager RivingtonHark, the project is set to transform the area between the River Severn and the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury town centre.

The latest approval covers three key plots between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the site of the future ‘Riverside Gardens’ park.

While detailed designs are still to come, the application sets out key principles around building use, height and layout and paves the way for a mix of homes, offices and a hotel.

It builds on progress from phase one, approved in 2024, which saw the demolition of the former shopping centre and medical practice to open up the riverside site.

Construction on Riverside Gardens is due to begin later this year.

Tim Pritchard, programme manager at Shropshire Council said: “We’re delighted to have received approval for this outline application. While it doesn’t mean delivery starts imminently, it is an important milestone in our long-term plans to transform this area of the town centre.

“The approval gives us a clear framework to help unlock exciting future developments in the next phase of Smithfield Riverside, increasing vibrancy and bringing more people into the area to live, work and visit.”

Spencer Winter, project director at RivingtonHark said: “We’re pleased with the progress we’ve seen on this regeneration project so far. This approval provides certainty for both for developers and the public that future uses of this site will be of real quality and be sympathetic to the look and feel of Shrewsbury town centre.

“It will help create the ideal environment for future development phases, helping the Council to attract investment for the long-term future of this part of the town centre.”