How Dawley's redevelopment looks from above

This aerial shot taken over Dawley shows the full extent of a planned multi-million-pound regeneration of the area in Telford.

Workers have been busy on site clearing the land for the massive redevelopment and comparison with nearby houses shows just how huge the project is.

Central to the masterplan is the creation of a Dawley Sports and Learning Community, which is to be built on the now levelled Paddock Mount, alongside Dawley High Street, to replace the Phoenix School.

It forms a major part of the regeneration of Dawley under Telford & Wrekin Council's multi-million pound Borough Towns Initiative.

Architects have envisaged the complex being built around a courtyard.

Work is continuing to prepare the site for construction with the official opening of the new Phoenix School due in time for the autumn term in 2013.

Dawley High Street has already been given a facelift as part of the overall regeneration project.

Diggers moved on to the Paddock Mount site last August to clear the way for the redevelopment. The earthworks are expected to take months to complete but then construction can begin on the school complex.

Russell Griffin, a spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said the £15 million learning community would be the centrepiece of the redevelopment.

He added: "The school, which will replace the existing Phoenix School, will be built on land on Paddock Mount.

"It will have significantly enhanced sports facilities, including a large sports hall, fitness suite and five outdoor sports pitches."

Phase two of the redevelopment will see 372 homes built along with a 1,500 square metre food store and three other shops.

A BMX track and play areas will be built for youngsters and a nature trail created.

Mr Griffin added a new public square would be created outside the school to act as a meeting point for residents.

By Simon Hardy