Work completed on refurbished shops

A number of traders who left during the refurbishment have started to return

Hoardings have been removed to reveal a row of refurbished shops as part of work on the Oakengates Theatre Quarter in Telford.

Telford and Wrekin Council said the 1960s buildings on Limes Walk had been improved and solar panels had been added to their roofs.

Some of the businesses, which had relocated while the work was carried out, have returned.

The work is the first phase of a wider redevelopment which is linked to improvements to the town's theatre.

The aim of the project is to "regenerate the town centre and boost footfall into Oakengates," the council said.

The scheme has been paid for by the government's Towns Fund, which awarded the local authority £22.3m to regenerate Telford Town Centre, Wellington and Oakengates.

Later phases of the project will include the creation of new flats, the removal of the canopy over the shops and a new public space for outdoor events.

Work on the theatre in Oakengates is also taking place

Alongside the work on the shopping precinct, the council is making improvements to the theatre in Oakengates.

This will increase capacity to 750 people in a two-tiered main auditorium.

The plans also include a new bar and dining area, a small studio theatre, and improved backstage areas.