Public consultation over Shrewsbury riverside development

CGI of the development shows how Shrewsbury could look in the future

The next stage of a major town regeneration plan is set for approval.

On 18 October, Shropshire Council will be asked to immediately start a public consultation about the Smithfield Riverside development in Shrewsbury.

If approved, it would trigger a planning application for the demolition of Riverside shopping centre and the former Riverside medical practice.

Better links between the town centre and river are proposed, with leisure facilities, homes and offices.

In 2018, the council bought the three main shopping centres in the town for £51m, including Riverside.

"The Smithfield Riverside vision is really starting to become a reality," Ian Nellins, deputy leader of Shropshire Council said.

Some of the core objectives are to deliver low-carbon development, help increase flood resilience and support biodiversity.

The proposals also include a new public outdoor space called Roushill Park.

The old Riverside shopping centre would be demolished if the proposals get the go ahead

The authority would use £18.7m of levelling up cash, with £5m match funded.

"This is a really exciting time for Shrewsbury and Shropshire and it's great to see the project start to come to life," said Nat Green, local councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill.

"If approved by cabinet, I encourage our local residents and the business community to get involved in the consultation and have their say."

More details of the Smithfield Riverside masterplan will be unveiled at the start of the public consultation which, if approved, will start on 19 October.