Boards go up as Telford Southwater work begins
The boards have gone up ready for Telford Southwater’s public space to be transformed.
Work is set to begin shortly on Telford’s Southwater Square, complete with room for trees and event space.
Now the area is cordoned off, the building of the 68-room Travelodge hotel and retail unit can begin.
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Councillor Shaun Davies said: “The new hoardings include artist’s impressions of the new development as well as messages celebrating Telford’s 50th birthday next year.
“Southwater has been a massive success since it opened and has given our Town Centre a vibrant, beating heart. It is a great example of a hugely successful partnership between the public and private sector and the new Southwater Square will continue that.
“It will be a great place for residents and visitors to spend quality leisure time and something that Telford can be very proud of.”
As part of that the new public space will be built and opened to the public by spring 2018.
Images will soon go up showing passers-by what they can expect to see when the work is complete.
There will also be advertisements for the anniversary celebrations.
The space has been designed after a public consultation took place last summer.
Telford & Wrekin Council said it had listened to the views of more than 600 people at the time, and that their responses had shaped how the space will be used, as well as what events may be held.
The extension to the square has been designed to cater for a range of uses including events and retains the open views and link between Southwater and Telford Town Park.
Work at Southwater Square will start shortly, with the local firm McPhillips confirmed as the contractor delivering the scheme.
As well as the hotel, the new development will include space for a new bar or restaurant at ground floor level with views overlooking Southwater lake and the new square.
The main principles for the Square’s designs already have planning approval.
McPhillips is holding a Meet the Buyer event for sub-contractors on June 29 between noon and 2pm at the Marches Growth Hub at University of Wolverhampton’s Priorslee campus to highlight the opportunity for local trades to get involved in the project.
