Telford shopping centre plans unveiled

Telford shopping centre operators said the new development could be completed by December 2015

Plans have been submitted for the first phase of a £200m redevelopment in Telford town centre.

The proposals for the Southern Quarter are expected to see restaurants and cafes replace a former DIY store on part of the shopping centre site.

The scheme is designed to link the shopping centre with the £250m Southwater development - the first phase of which opened last month.

Consultation on the shopping centre plans is due to open shortly.

The scheme was granted outline planning permission by Telford and Wrekin Council last year.

If the latest plans are approved, Sovereign Land, which runs the centre, said work on phase one could start in January and be completed by December 2015.

It will also see new landscaping and public spaces created in the town centre.

Tim Binnington, chairman of Sovereign Land, said it would "complement" the Southwater development and help "to create a more attractive town centre for visitors".

The five-year scheme will also see new shops, and a hotel and leisure complex built in Central Square.