The next stage of public consultation on Shrewsbury’s Smithfield Riverside regeneration project has got under way, ahead of two impending planning applications.
Led by Shropshire Council and its development manager, RivingtonHark, Smithfield Riverside will see the circa 10-acre site between the River Severn, Darwin Centre, Roushill and Raven Meadows transformed into a new mixed-use town centre for Shrewsbury.
The first of four planning applications was submitted in December 2023. A decision for that application is expected this spring. It would see the demolition of the Riverside shopping centre and former Riverside medical practice, and the creation of a new public park adjacent to Roushill.
This next round of public consultation, which runs until 5 March, will focus on proposals that introduce outline scale and massing plans for three building plots located between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the proposed Roushill Park. Although plans are still at an early stage, these flexible plots are likely to feature a mix of residential, office and hotel uses.
The third application proposes a new social destination located between Pride Hill and Raven Meadows, with a new space to eat, meet and socialise. The existing Pride Hill shopping centre would be partly demolished with the retention of the existing service yard platform and a smaller covered retail arcade that connects to Pride Hill high street.
A raised podium would be constructed to accommodate a boutique cinema, retail pavilion, bars and restaurants and an outdoor event space for small businesses.
Ian Nellins, deputy leader of Shropshire council, said: “Building on the exciting planning application for Roushill Park, these subsequent proposals provide us with a strong blueprint to deliver a dynamic mix of food and drink venues, a new cinema, hotel, shops, homes and workspaces over the coming years – helping us draw more visitors, residents, businesses and jobs into Shrewsbury.
“The design of the scheme looks really special, with the architecture respecting our unique heritage and identity, while also delivering a modern and dynamic offering for the communities of Shropshire.”
RivingtonHark was appointed to deliver the transformation in November 2022.
More planning in Shropshire >>
Send feedback to Samantha McClary
Follow Estates Gazette
