Telford cinema dream moves a step closer

Multi-million pound plans for a new cinema, restaurants and shops in Telford centre – creating nearly 300 jobs – came a step nearer reality today.

Outline plans have seen submitted by Hark Apollo, the owners of Telford shopping centre, for land between Central Square and the Red Oak car park.

Under the plans existing buildings at Brodie House would be demolished and the footbridge over Grange Central removed.

They would make way for a cinema, expected to be operated by Odeon, food and drink outlets, shops and a pedestrian link between Red Oak car park and Central Square.

The site was chosen for the cinema as the plans complement the Wetherspoons pub and Vox nightclub which are already there, say developers.

In her submission to Telford & Wrekin Council, Giulia Bunting, from agents GL Heard, said: "Site evaluation identified some key opportunities to redevelop the site to create a landmark extension to the shopping centre and act as a catalyst for the future development of the Central Square. The proposed development seeks to extend the retail provision available in Telford town centre and balance this with a complementary offer of food and beverage and leisure use – a cinema."

Local businesses and councillors have been consulted and a decision is expected before mid-March.

A separate application for the nearby Southwater Square area has already been submitted as part of a massive £250m redevelopment. Those plans include a Cineworld cinema.