Work under way on transforming empty Telford Asda store
Work has started on the transformation of the old Asda supermarket at Telford Shopping Centre – paving the way for the creation of the town's new 'northern quarter'.
Boards will go up around the former supermarket over the next few days as workmen move in to remove the Asda canopy from the building.
A new building housing up to seven stores will be built around the shell of the old supermarket.
Up to five stores will face Red Oak car park, lining the approach to the entrance to the shopping centre.
The entrance will be rebuilt with a new tower, which will mirror the tower planned for the Southern Quarter development in the town.
Up to two other stores will face Ash Grey car park, adjacent to the existing entrances to Primark and BHS.
Work on the building will continue throughout 2016, with completion scheduled for 2017. Demolition of the old petrol station on Red Oak car park will be completed before Christmas.
Guy Beaumont, of Sovereign Centros, which is managing the redevelopment of the centre, said that talks with occupiers for the new Northern Quarter stores were under way while construction took place.
"We're talking to a number of exciting brands about moving to the Northern Quarter, which will offer bigger, more modern space and add to our fantastic shopping line-up at the centre," he said.
Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for business, said: "We are delighted that work has now started on the redevelopment of the Northern Quarter of the shopping centre.
"When combined with the planned Southern Quarter redevelopment and the second phase of the Southwater development, it will ultimately contribute to a wonderful new town centre for Telford.
"Telford is well and truly on the up and very much the place to be in the West Midlands."
