£55 million Telford Shopping Centre vision still on track despite House of Fraser closure

New artists' impressions were released today of the town’s new extended Fashion Quarter. Work is also ongoing on the Northern Quarter and Southwater.

Centre manager Glyn Morrow today said work is continuing in relation the current House of Fraser unit after the firm announced plans to close the store last month.

“We are working behind the scenes with House of Fraser. There is nothing set in stone at the moment. We are looking at options for the unit,” Mr Morrow said.

Re-organisation of the complex will see eight existing units extended and seven new units created.

Centre bosses say High Street names including Next, New Look, H&M and River Island have already committed to taking on bigger stores, which reflects the confidence large fashion retailers have in the borough.

Michael Thomas, of Sovereign Centros which is managing the revamp, said: “Delivering the right kind of environment for shoppers is key as is providing the right space for anchor stores.

“The retail environment is changing as major fashion brands take stronger positions on the high street. Primark as well as Zara, Next, H&M, New Look and River Island are at the forefront of this.

“The £55m investment is focused on a clear expansion and refurbishment plan that will ensure we are providing the right type of space for these key anchors maintaining Telford centre’s appeal and building on the centre’s extensive range of brands. Its biggest selling point is convenience and this has been an important focus of the improvements.”

The revamp has so far seen a new multi-coloured dome built on the back of the former Asda store, which has been replaced by a newly constructed Aldi in the Northern Quarter. The German supermarket has taken a 20-year lease for the site.

House of Fraser owners the Chinese group Nanjing Cenbest, announced in May that its Telford and Shrewsbury branches will close.