Meeting Point House extension aiming to expand Telford cafe culture
The extension of a community building at the heart of Telford's Southwater complex will encourage more people to visit the area, it has been claimed.
Councillor Shaun Davies, of Telford & Wrekin Council, said creating meeting rooms, a cafe and a room that could be used as a theatre at Meeting Point House would boost Telford's nightlife.
He said the changes had been driven by demands from local people, who wanted more places to meet and socialise.
The planned two-storey extension will add 11,000 square feet of space. About 3,500 sq ft of the ground floor is under offer and the council is currently seeking investment from the private sector for the remaining 2,000 sq ft.
The extension was approved by the council's planning committee last week. Work is expected to start within the next few weeks and could be finished by next summer.
Councillor Davies, cabinet member for business, neighbourhood and customer services, said: "We're pleased that the work to Meeting Point House has been given the go ahead and are keen to see work start as soon as possible.
"The additional facilities at Meeting Point House will complement the Southwater offer and ensure that it continues to be a place for people to socialise and meet.
"It is brilliant that the council and Meeting Point House are working together to make Southwater even better place to visit.
"This will add to cafe culture we've got in Southwater. Lots of residents have been saying they want to see more bars in Southwater and this project help realise that ambition."
David Carey, company secretary of Meeting Point House, said: "The approval of the planning application for work to Meeting Point House is great news.
"This work will allow Meeting Point House to extend its appeal for the community.
"It is important to note that Meeting Point House will remain open for business during the building work and will continue to function during this time.
"At the moment the thinking is that we have a great opportunity in the heart of Southwater to put a sense of community into the commercial environment."
There will be a consultation event on December 10 at Meeting Point House, starting at 12.30pm, when people can discuss what they would like to see there.
