New look for Shrewsbury as council back Big Town Plan
A plan which will shape the future of Shrewsbury has been officially backed by Shropshire Council.
The Big Shrewsbury Town Plan – which has been more than a year in the making – will now act as a blueprint for the the development of the town over the next two decades.
Some of the more ambitious plans include revamping the entrance to Shrewsbury Railway Station and making it a pedestrian only area and creating a one-level public promenade connecting the town centre to the river.
Cabinet members were asked to approve the plan at a meeting yesterday and paid tribute to the people behind it.
It has been a joint project between Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury BID.
Four key locations in the town have been identified for improvement and development – the Flaxmill Maltings, the northern corridor and railway station, Riverside and the West End.
It also sets out goals to improve transport links, encourage new business, open up the housing market and make the town greener.
Councillor Simon Harris said it is a document the whole of the county could learn from.
"There are ideas in the Big Shrewsbury Town Plan that should be brought to all towns and parishes," he said.
"The document should be sent to every town and parish council to look at and learn from."
Councillor Nic Laurens, portfolio holder for economic growth, has been involved with the plan since its inception.
He added: "It's been a really long journey. I remember being at a meeting in 2016 when it all started and have been involved ever since.
"I have absolute confidence in this project and I can't wait to see it go forward."
The Big Shrewsbury Town Plan will be reviewed every February to ensure the work is on track.
