Oakengates set for £3m revamp

A neglected town centre in Telford is now to get a makeover of more than £3 million in the latest district revamp, borough council chiefs confirmed today.

Oakengates will become the latest borough town to be spruced up as part of Telford & Wrekin Council's Borough Towns Initiative.

Back in September only £500,000 was going to be spent on the centre of Oakengates and the size of the investment prompted criticism from residents and business chiefs.

They were aware that millions had been spent on other towns, such as Madeley and Dawley.

This afternoon it was announced that more than £3 million was now to be splashed out on the regeneration.

Proposed improvements include better paving and on-street parking management in Market and Oxford Streets, the removal of unnecessary street furniture and enhancements to the junction of Lion Street and Market Street.

There will be a redesigned bus station, a new and bigger Theatre Square and the development of a 4,000 sq ft retail store with adjacent car parking and a redesigned bus station.

Work is expected to start by summer.