'Smart' new look for Telford Shopping Centre taking shape
It’s the latest new addition to the Telford Shopping Centre – and it’s set to be even more eye-catching when it’s finished.
This new multi-coloured dome has been built on the back of the former Asda unit as part of a service area.
The unusual colours are thanks to the ‘smart’ glass design, which will make the building change colour in the light.
It’s part of continuing work around the shopping centre, with construction going on across the new Fashion Quarter, the Northern Quarter and Southwater.
Glynn Morrow, centre manager for The Telford Centre, said: “The building will become part of a service area for the centre, and has been fitted with smart glass technology which allows the outside of the building to change colour in the light.
“Work on the Northern Quarter development is going very well and to programme.
“We plan to hand over to Aldi next month, so that they can start internal fit out work ahead of their summer launch.”
The budget supermarket giant will take up the main unit of the Northern Quarter, currently taking shape on the Red Oak Car Park.
The main entrance via The Border has also been demolished as work continues.
An alternative entrance has been built near to the former BHS and Poundland shops.
Work on the car park is also ongoing, with much of the area cordoned off as tarmac is ripped up.
Telford & Wrekin Council gave the green light to the plans for the new 70,000 sq ft Northern Quarter in 2015.
The project will create up to seven shops, and it is hoped that it will attract new brands to the town and bring a whole new look to that part of the centre.
Work has now been completed on the entrance to the Red Oak Car Park, although there is still only access from Grange Central roundabout.
The former Asda petrol station has also been torn down.
Sections of the shopping centre are still shut off while work is continuing across the north-western side of the building.
New Row and New Street will be redeveloped, with Next and New Look taking new units within the development. House of Fraser will stay in its current position, with Zara and River Island set to keep their units.
A new link to Sherwood Street will make it easier for shoppers to get around the centre and create new large stores designed to meet modern fashion retailer requirements.
The new phase of the centre will open in the autumn and forms part of the same development as the bus station.
Work has nearly finished on the Travelodge in Southwater. More than 40 jobs are expected to be created when the development is complete.
The hotel and attached restaurant or bar will create 12 full time and 29 part time jobs. The work is expected to be completed in the coming months.
The plans will also see a new public green space and events area made available to visitors.
