New image reveals how Shrewsbury's new Riverside could look as next stage of major project gets green light

The second phase of the Smithfield Riverside regeneration project has taken another step forward after an outline planning application was approved by Shropshire Council’s Northern Planning Committee.

Led by Shropshire Council and development manager RivingtonHark, Smithfield Riverside will see major redevelopment work designed to transform the area between the River Severn and the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury's town centre.

The first phase of the project, which is using Levelling Up funding from UK Government, was approved in 2024.

So far the former Riverside shopping centre and medical practice have been demolished.

That work paves the way for the creation of ‘Riverside Gardens’ – a new outdoor public park to be built on Roushill, and opening up the site to lay the ground for further regeneration.

The council says that construction of ‘Riverside Gardens’ is expected to begin later this year.

The second planning application, approved on Tuesday (April 22) is an ‘outline’ application and secures the principle of development for three key plots located between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the new park.

It sets out the key design, scale and use recommendations of future buildings.

The council says the site is expected to support a mix of homes, offices and a hotel, with further detailed planning applications coming forward for each development in the future.

Tim Pritchard, programme manager at Shropshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to have received approval for this outline application. While it doesn’t mean delivery starts imminently, it is an important milestone in our long-term plans to transform this area of the town centre.

“The approval gives us a clear framework to help unlock exciting future developments in the next phase of Smithfield Riverside, increasing vibrancy and bringing more people into the area to live, work and visit.”

Spencer Winter, project director at RivingtonHark, added: “We’re pleased with the progress we’ve seen on this regeneration project so far. This approval provides certainty for both for developers and the public that future uses of this site will be of real quality and be sympathetic to the look and feel of Shrewsbury town centre.

“It will help create the ideal environment for future development phases, helping the Council to attract investment for the long-term future of this part of the town centre.”