New shop planned at Merrythought site in Ironbridge
A former foundry building owned by a teddy bear manufacturer could be turned into a convenience shop in the heart of Ironbridge.
Plans have been submitted for a change of use for the building at the Merrythought Village site in Ironbridge.
Hannah Holmes, from Merrythought Ltd, which has submitted the planning application to Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "There is clear demand for a convenience store within the Ironbridge community and our proposal will cater for this need. This project will also ensure the sustainable future of the buildings at the Merrythought Village site.
"General feedback from local residents, local businesses and organisations within the town has been extremely positive in relation to the proposal. Particular reference was made to the provision of much needed amenities, the positive impact in terms of regenerating the Dale End area of Ironbridge and the positive impact of increased footfall on local businesses."
The plans have been supported by local businesses which are keen to see the area revived.
Jamie Jones, who runs nearby Ironbridge Interiors, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to cement the economic future of Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale. We support the proposal wholeheartedly."
The site is located at Dale End, Ironbridge, and consists mainly of four buildings that were originally constructed as foundry buildings in about 1900. The buildings are currently used for a mixture of commercial uses. Included in the plans are 65 car parking spaces.
More than 80 years after it was founded, the county's teddy bear company, Merrythought, is the only one left in the UK.
Last year it won the contract to produce the official Buckingham Palace royal baby teddy bear, in tribute to the birth of George Alexander Louis.
