Plans for new Telford cinema revealed

This artist's impression shows how a new multiplex cinema and restaurant complex planned for the heart of Telford as part of a £1 billion revamp could look.

Town centre owners Hark Apollo today took the wraps off plans for the new complex as the first part of a strategic review of future development in the town.

Hark director Rob Cossey described it as a "striking new development" while plans for a "iconic" new store are also thought to be in the pipeline.

The plans were today welcomed by Telford & Wrekin Council's regeneration chief.

Councillor Charles Smith said: "Telford & Wrekin Council broadly welcomes all investment in the town centre to improve the range of services and the quality of the centre for residents and visitors.

"We are looking forward to receiving development proposals as plans for the centre progress and we are keen to work with any developer committed to enhancing the town centre, in keeping with the newly adopted Central Telford Area Action Plan."

The developer's announcement of progress with its masterplan to transform Telford Shopping Centre comes after it suffered a setback two years ago when Asda rejected an offer to move to an iconic new base near to the existing supermarket.

Asda instead bought and now plans to move onto the site of Telford & Wrekin Council's current Malinslee House headquarters on the outskirts of the town centre.