Delight at news of Shrewsbury Business Park deal

The authority's money will get the six acre site, off Sitka Drive, near Emstrey Island, ready for a £30 million expansion in mid 2014, paving the way for the creation of up to 1,500 jobs.

However, there were fears that the development could displace existing businesses rather than attracting new ones.

Councillor Peter Nutting, the town council leader, who also runs the Sports and Games shop in the centre, said: "I think it's great for Shrewsbury and excellent that we are providing high class accommodation for businesses which is bound to attract more to the town.

"The Emstrey area tends to be for more office-based jobs but we do need investment in all forms in Shrewsbury, not just in the town centre, so this will be a welcome investment."

He added: "Shrewsbury is the main economic driver in Shropshire and will continue to be."

But one business leader raised concerns about how many new positions would actually be created for local people. Peter Bettis, president of Shrewsbury Business Chamber, welcomed the investment but said it was crucial the money was used to help people find jobs.

He said: "It is really good news the council has decided to invest in this project and I'm hoping now that the expansion is used to attract new businesses rather than displacing existing ones.

"People are very keen to move when they've got the incentive to and that would be something that concerns me."

The expansion, given the go ahead in July, will see 17 units providing 15,000 square metres of office accommodation, as well as 565 car parking spaces and a second access point off Wenlock Road.