Demolition work continues on Shrewsbury regeneration

Work to knock down part of a 50-year old footbridge spanning the River Severn is under way, as part of a £200m plan to regenerate Shropshire’s county town.

Shropshire Council’s contractors Morgan Sindall have started work knocking down an access ramp to the bridge as development work on building a new public park on Roushill in Shrewsbury continues, the first phase in a regeneration scheme earmarked for the two-acre site of a former shopping centre in the town.

A temporary ramp has been erected prior to the installation of a lift to the new park, known as Riverside Gardens, which opens next year – part funded by an £18m grant from the government’s Levelling Up Fund in 2018.

• READ MORE: Work begins on flagship new Shrewsbury park

Outline permission for a mixed-use redevelopment, set to include offices, retail and over 200 homes, between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and Roushill was granted in April this year.

Shropshire Council says the scheme will regenerate an area which was home to a former 1970’s shopping precinct and doctor’s surgery, both now demolished, on the site of the town’s former cattle market, and reconnect Shrewsbury town centre with the river front.

Demolition work on Shrewsbury’s Riverside scheme began earlier this year. Credit: Place Midlands

“The introduction of the new temporary ramp and eventually a lift is a major step forward—not just for the development, but for the whole community. For too long, accessibility has been a challenge in this part of town,” said Cllr Rob Wilson, cabinet member for regeneration.

“With these changes, we’re making the park, the development, and Shrewsbury itself more welcoming and accessible for everyone. This is about opening up new opportunities, connecting people with the riverside, and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of this fantastic regeneration. It’s an exciting time for our town, and I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact these improvements will bring.”