Madeley Redevelopment Get Final Green Light

The main work on the scheme which will include building a new Tesco's supermarket and bring millions of pounds of investment into a range of community facilities is due to start this spring.

Telford & Wrekin Council has now issued the final planning permission to the scheme's developers after completing final legal agreements.

The redevelopment scheme, another important part of the Council's Borough Town's Initiative to revitalise and regenerate towns across Telford and Wrekin, has already received planners' backing.

The multi-million pound plan will redevelop Madeley`s centre and, alongside the 4,380 sq m supermarket, will include 15 new retail units, 16 new homes, new access to the town's library and improvements to roads and public space.

The negotiations with developers have secured a commitment that when the existing Somerfield store closes, a temporary Tesco store will open for local residents until the new supermarket opens.

Cllr Eric Carter, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is the final piece of jigsaw that the people of Madeley have been waiting a long time for and at last this scheme can now move ahead and start to make a real difference to the centre of Madeley.

"When it is finished, local people will have a centre with vastly improved facilities which will provide a real focal point for people in the Madeley area which can help revitalise the whole area after many years of neglect."

Madeley's two borough councillors were also delighted at the development.

Cllr Dave Wright said "This is great news for people and businesses in Madeley. At last the area has the scheme that will help bring major economic and social benefits to this part of the borough and that is worthy of its role as a gateway to the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

"The Council has worked very hard to ensure that this development reflects the needs of Madeley and we have I believe secured a very good outcome for people."

Cllr Gill Green added: "Residents will be delighted to see that a temporary store will ensure that it will be 'business as usual' throughout the rebuild.

"Having lobbied planners for revamped access at the bottom of Maddocks/Meadcroft, it is very pleasing to see that the developer has agreed to fund a pedestrian crossing and ramp to replace the steps here. Coupled with much needed lighting improvements through Meadowlea to Russell Square, this will provide a much needed safe pedestrian route to our shopping centre."