The second phase of the Smithfield Riverside regeneration project in Shrewsbury, has had outline planning approved by Shropshire Council’s Northern Planning Committee.

Smithfield Riverside is the regeneration project led by Shropshire Council and development manager RivingtonHark and is set to transform the area between the River Severn and the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury town centre.

The second approved planning application is an ‘outline’ application and secures the principle of development for three key plots located between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the new park and sets out the key design, scale and use recommendations of future buildings.

Tim Pritchard, Programme Manager at Shropshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to have received approval for this outline application. While it doesn’t mean delivery starts imminently, it is an important milestone in our long-term plans to transform this area of the town centre.

“The approval gives us a clear framework to help unlock exciting future developments in the next phase of Smithfield Riverside, increasing vibrancy and bringing more people into the area to live, work and visit.”

The site is expected to support a complementary mix of homes, offices and a hotel, with further detailed planning applications coming forward for each development in the future.

The first phase of the project is well underway with the former Riverside shopping centre and medical practice now demolished, paving the way for ‘Riverside Gardens’ – a new outdoor public park on Roushill – and opening up the site to lay the ground for further regeneration.