Work starts on new Telford town park visitor centre

The new visitor centre has been funded through the £250m Southwater development

Work has started on a new Shropshire visitor centre.

The new building in Telford town park is part of a £250m redevelopment of the area.

The centre replaces Spout Farm House on the edge of the park, which was demolished in May to make way for the new Southwater development.

Telford and Wrekin Council said the new visitor centre, being built near the Norman chapel, should be completed by the end of the year.

The council said the new building was based on a "bird-inspired design, in keeping with the natural environment of the park and wildlife which it supports".

The new building is being constructed from sustainable materials and will feature educational facilities for local schools.

The park itself is also undergoing a facelift, with work on signs, pathways and other facilities supported by a £3.4m Parks for People lottery grant.

The wider Southwater scheme is expected to take up to 20 years to complete and regenerate the area between the town centre and the park.

The project will include retail, residential and leisure units, alongside restaurants and office space.