Almost £19 million to Level Up Shrewsbury (Levelling Up Fund 2)
Shropshire was allocated over £18.7 million from the Levelling Up Fund for a package of two projects in Shrewsbury.
Creating opportunities for business, tourism and investment
Levelling Up funding will accelerate the transformation of the Smithfield area. The former Riverside Shopping Centre and other surrounding buildings will be demolished to create new spaces. This will boost employment, incentivise private sector investment and increase opportunities to live in the town. The programme of works will also better prevent flooding in the area.
A connected and accessible town centre for all modes of transport
The second project will improve active travel in and around the town centre. A range of improvements will also be made to public areas between Shrewsbury station and the town centre.
The improvements include:
- enhanced walking routes and cycleways across the Station and Northern Corridor areas
- better traffic management to reduce vehicle speeds
- new bus only lanes
- new lighting and public art that will reconnect the town centre to the River Severn
Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader of Shropshire Council, said:
We have always been clear on our intention to develop the Riverside centre, so I am delighted to see that progress on such an important stage in this redevelopment is getting underway. This upcoming work demonstrates the council’s commitment to this project.
We want to create a desirable destination for Shrewsbury’s residents and visitors that is like no other town in the UK. This is a transformative and innovative project which will create jobs, bring new investment into the town centre and help grow the county’s economy.
Find out more about the regeneration of Shrewsbury
Find out more about Levelling Up