Work starts on flagship riverside public space

19 September 2025

Richard PriceWest Midlands

News image — The new public space is due to open in late autumn 2026, according to Shropshire Council

Spacehub A digital visualisation of the new park, with a stepped seating area, lawn area and archways ina red brick wall. There are people wandering about and a number of trees around the space. — The new public space is due to open in late autumn 2026, according to Shropshire Council

Construction work has started on a flagship regeneration scheme in Shrewsbury town centre.

Riverside Gardens, part of a new public park located alongside Roushill, marks the first phase of a Shropshire Council programme to better connect the town centre with the River Severn.

The local authority said it would improve links between The Darwin Shopping Centre, Roushill and Raven Meadows.

A lane closure on Smithfield Road will be in place for up to five days from 21 September, with the road reduced to two lanes for a 200m stretch while drainage work is carried out.

Preparatory work to demolish, clear the site and build the park has been made possible with £18.7m of funding from the government, which was awarded in 2023.

A new green space is expected to open to the public in late autumn 2026.

Council bosses added it would offer a welcoming and accessible area which would enhance biodiversity as well as flood resilience, while boosting footfall in the town centre.

The park will feature green landscaping, activity areas for families and a dedicated events and performance area.

Rob Trigg / BBC A large, open building site, viewed from a raised position, bordered on two sides by tall buildings, in Shrewsbury town centre. There are people wearing high visibility clothing stood by a yellow digger. There is fencing around the site, with a gate in the right hand side of the site. — Work to clear the site has continued throughout the year (photo taken in March)

"Riverside Gardens will provide a beautiful and inclusive new space for people of all ages to enjoy and take a moment out of their busy lives," said Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for transport and economic growth.

"It will also serve as a new destination for outdoor community events, with a play area that's perfect for young families."

"It's going to be a fantastic addition to Shrewsbury town centre," said Richard Fielding, from developer Morgan Sindall Construction.

"It's always rewarding working on projects like this where we're creating something that will bring families and the community together."

He said ground conditions on site meant there was drainage and foundation work required, in order to ensure it could handle daily use as well as major community events.

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