Water, light and art features unveiled in new public square for Telford town centre

The new Southwater Square has been designed to link and blend Southwater into the Town Park, creating fantastic views from adjacent restaurants across the lawn and lake.

It will also be used as a space for public events and markets.

The first big event to use the area is Discover Digital on June 28, an event set to attract up to 1,000 young people, which will be celebrating Telford’s thriving tech sector as part of the town’s 50th birthday celebrations.

The water fountain was one of the most popular design features to form part of the new square, chosen as a desirable feature by over half of those who completed a public consultation survey back in July 2016.

People also wanted to see public art, lighting and additional seating.

The fountain has 25 water jets and there will be hourly displays during the day.

The water jets feature lights which will transform the space after dark and can also be programmed with colours for special occasions and events.

Five gold coloured lighting wands have been installed next to the fountain, representing the five decades of Telford, and they will display different colours at night.

The lights will be mirrored by colours displayed on Southwater One, creating a "Zen like" ambiance within the area on an evening.

The interactive art installations, called Aspect, also have a dichroic filter allowing them to change colour in certain lighting conditions.

It is hoped they will provide photo opportunities for visitors.

Telford & Wrekin Council's leader Shaun Davies said it will be a "fantastic spectacle" for the town.

He said: “The new Southwater Square is a fantastic new public open space that connects our award winning Town Park with Southwater and sets the scene for more events and activities in Southwater.

“We are proud of this great space, that also our residents, visitors and stakeholders helped to shape and that they can enjoy from now on with their family and friends.

“The Southwater Square opening marks another significant milestone in Southwater’s development that is likely not only to increase the number of visitors – raising Telford’s profile as a major regional destination – but also to attract more businesses, with positive impact for the local economy."

Telford & Wrekin's Mayor, Councillor Raj Mehta said: "It's beautiful. It's a gift to Telford. Telford's birthday celebrations deserve it.

"I think it will be well used. There are lots of food outlets around the square and people can enjoy the feature while eating."

The £250 million Southwater development is a public/private partnership that is delivering a night time economy in Telford town centre and features a range of restaurants, bars and other leisure facilities.

The opening of the square is part of the second phase of Southwater development, which includes the new public realm, public art features as well as the new 68-room Travelodge hotel.

The work at Southwater Square and the construction of the new Travelodge started last June and has been completed by local firm McPhillips.

The design of the square was shaped by the views of more than 600 people.