Transport and design quality need to be at the forefront of Ironbridge Power Station plans, councillor says

Claire Wild, ward member for the Severn Valley, said there was an opportunity for a 'really excellent and innovative scheme' if members of the community had their say.

She warned that there would be an inevitable increase in traffic – but in the long term it would be worth it.

Her comments come after it was revealed a public consultation on future plans for the site would be held next month.

The Harworth Group, which bought the site earlier this year, were also set to meet with local stakeholders this month.

"There is an opportunity at this stage of consultation to include ideas that can involve the local residents and help mitigate the impact of what will be a major development," Councillor Wild said.

"Traffic and transportation are always a major concern. Whilst strict conditions have been imposed on the demolition of the site once the site has been completed local residents will have to live with the inevitable increase in traffic.

"There is an opportunity at this consultation stage to include a rail link, a pedestrian and cycle route linking Buildwas, Much Wenlock and Ironbridge, a regular bus service linking the site with Shrewsbury, Much Wenlock and Ironbridge and beyond, the upgrading of surrounding roads and even a river boat service. Connectivity and sustainability are key elements not just for local residents but for the new residents."

Councillor Wild said that, because of the sites industrial heritage, it was important to get the right kind of development.

She said a piece of art commemorating the former use of the power station would also be a worth considering.

"An important consideration is the design quality, too often we see bland boxes crammed in on many new developments," she said. "This site has a rich industrial history and sits within a valley with Tic wood, the river, the abbey, the gorge and rolling Shropshire countryside all around. Personally I think a piece a public art reflecting the iconic towers would be a fitting way to commemorate the industrial heritage of the site.

"Designing commercial premises along side visitor attractions, shops, recreation fields, green space and housing will need considerable thought. The power station used to employ hundreds of local people so providing the right commercial buildings with well paid jobs is critical to the economic prosperity of the local area.

"So in a nut shell it’s regeneration, connectivity, sustainability, well paid jobs and quality design which I will be looking for in the final scheme."