Next consultation phase for Shrewsbury's regeneration

The Pride Hill development is part of the third proposed phase the public is being asked to consider

A new consultation phase opens on Friday over the Smithfield Riverside regeneration scheme in Shrewsbury.

Shropshire Council wants to knock down the Riverside Shopping Centre, which shut last week, and replace it with a park, restaurants and other facilities.

The first of four planning applications was submitted in December. The public is being consulted on the second and third development phase.

New images have been released for the exercise which runs until 5 March.

The second phase focuses on three plots between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the proposed Roushill Park, a central part of a masterplan for Shrewsbury town centre.

The plans are still at an early stage, but any project would likely feature a mix of residential, office and hotel space, according to the council and developers.

The third relates to building a boutique cinema, retail pavilion, bars and restaurants, and an outdoor event space between Pride Hill and Raven Meadows.

The existing Pride Hill shopping centre would be partly demolished as part of the plans.

The third application proposes a "new social destination" between Pride Hill and Raven Meadows

Ian Nellins, Conservative deputy leader of Shropshire Council, said: "Building on the exciting planning application for Roushill Park, these subsequent proposals provide us with a strong blueprint to deliver a dynamic mix of food and drink venues, a new cinema, hotel, shops, homes and workspaces over the coming years - helping us draw more visitors, residents, businesses and jobs into Shrewsbury."

The Smithfield Riverside project will be mostly funded by a £19m award from the government's levelling-up fund.

More applications would be submitted in the spring, developers said.