Telford Southwater development: Is this how the new square will look?

The square, complete with green areas, trees and event space, is set to overlook the lake and Telford Town Park when it is completed next year.

Telford & Wrekin Council said it had listened to the views of more than 600 people during a consultation last summer, and that it had shaped how they would use the space and what features and events they would host based on responses.

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.

Shaun Davies, council leader, said: “The new Southwater Square will be a fantastic new public open space, allowing a much greater variety of events and activities in Southwater while keeping the connection between the town centre and the town park.

“I am sure it will be another great place for residents and visitors to spend time with friends and family.”

The council hopes an interactive art commission and a new water feature will provide fun activities for people to get involved in while soft landscaping and grassed lawns will create an enjoyable and relaxing informal space.

Work at Southwater Square will start shortly, with the local firm McPhillips confirmed as the contractor delivering the scheme. The work is due to be completed next spring 2018 – in time for Telford’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Meanwhile, work is set to begin on a new 68-bedroom Travelodge in the area this week, and the new public space will be built as part of the development.

There will also be a new bar and restaurant at ground floor level of Travelodge with views overlooking Southwater lake and the new square. Telford & Wrekin Council agents, GVA and Wright Silverwood, are currently taking expression of interests in the unit.

The main principles for the Square’s designs already have planning approval.

AHoardings will go up around the development site shortly. This will see an area between the ice rink and the lake will be boarded off while work is under way. The hoardings will include images of what is to be built as well as messages celebrating Telford’s 50th Anniversary in 2018.

The contract for the work in Southwater has been awarded to borough-based firm

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 opportunities for local tradespeople to get involved in the project.