New park opens on former shopping centre site

A new park has opened on the site of Shrewsbury's former Riverside shopping centre, marking the first stage of a wider town-centre regeneration project.

The centre closed in February 2024 and was later demolished as part of plans to redevelop the area.

The new Riverside Gardens includes seating, improved access to the Frankwell footbridge and a play area featuring a large climbing boulder.

Shropshire Council said the park would help make the area more attractive to investors as it seeks private funding for future development of the site, which could eventually include homes, offices, a hotel and leisure facilities.

Rob Wilson, the council's cabinet member for transport and economic growth, said opening the park showed the authority was "ready to do business and develop this area of town".

The council said the new green space had also been designed to improve drainage in an area prone to flooding, replacing what Wilson described as a "big sealed surface".

Further work is planned around the nearby multi-storey car park, bus station and Pride Hill shopping centre, although Wilson said those projects would depend on securing additional private investment.

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