Shrewsbury Smithfield Riverside

Shropshire Council, as site owners, will be bringing forward a high-quality, design-led riverside development site in the very heart of Shrewsbury town centre, Shropshire’s county town in the loop of the River Severn.

The former Riverside and Pride Hill shopping centres, associated multi-storey car park, bus station and surrounding area provides a four-hectare regeneration opportunity with an enviable waterfront setting.

A recent government-funded Levelling Up investment has enabled a large part of the site to be demolished, with a new linear park completed by summer 2026 that, along with site remediation, will enable the first commercial development plots to be available during 2026.

A detailed delivery strategy will identify mechanisms to bring the programme forward at pace, including options for partnerships and joint ventures.

The development programme provides a significant opportunity to bring forward the aspirations of the Big Town Plan – specifically, to create a vibrant and vital new mixed-use quarter alongside the town’s first Grade A office space, built to zero-carbon 2030 targets.

The newly-refreshed masterplan outlines a vision for a new neighbourhood delivered through a mixed-use development to include residential, office, hotel, retail and leisure uses, with high-quality architecture and public realm,  including a new linear park for the town that will be constructed first – and all in a vibrant riverside setting.

It will transform the lower town into a unique 21st century quayside with modern homes, quality office space, state-of-the-art leisure and bespoke retail, creating a dynamic, modern and sustainable destination.

This comprehensive development is being informed by development managers Rivington Hark and masterplan architects, Faulkner Browns Architects, the Masterplan Vision, Design Coding and the Smithfield Riverside Strategic Development Framework. Phase One, supported by Levelling Up funding, brings forward a development prospectus for the delivery of a new linear park and three development plots suitable for residential, leisure and office use.

Why invest In Shropshire?

Prime location
Shropshire boasts a strategic location at the geographical heart of the UK, providing seamless access to key markets including the West Midlands, the North, Mid Wales and Ireland. With excellent road and rail connections, major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and London are within easy reach.

Business-friendly environment
The County is dedicated to fostering growth and attracting inward investment, offering a supportive and progressive business environment. Numerous initiatives and support programmes are available to assist businesses in their establishment and expansion. Shropshire is also highly competitive when it comes to property and labour costs, making it an attractive destination for new businesses.

Diverse and thriving sectors
Shropshire is home to a diverse range of thriving industries, from advanced manufacturing andagri-tech to the creative industries and food and drink. Many businesses here operate on a global scale or lead their respective markets.

Future-focused growth
Shropshire is committed to future growth, with emerging sectors such as health/medical-tech and environmental technologies. Alongside its ambitious partners, the County aims to become a leader in the green economy.

Quality of life
In an evolving business landscape, Shropshire attracts an increasing number of business owners, creatives and entrepreneurs. It’s an area rich in natural beauty, offering a desirable blend of town and rural living, with employees valuing the exceptional quality of life and work-life balance. Affordable housing, excellent educational resources- and a wealth of historical, cultural- and leisure opportunities contribute to Shropshire’s unparalleled lifestyle.

Take the next step
Shropshire is quirky, innovative, independent and inviting. It has the potential to exceed your expectations. Isn’t it time you took a closer look?

The Invest in Shropshire team is eager to discuss opportunities with you.

Visit us at www.investinshropshire.co.uk

Insight for investors

• Type of investment sought: Future delivery and investment
• Value and cost info: £350m GDV
• Site size: 4 hectares
• Jobs: 775 new jobs
• Timescale: 2022-2033
• Delivery timescale: 5+ years
• Planning status:
  • Riverside shopping centre demolition and creation of Roushill Park (23/05402/FUL) granted in March 2024
  • Outline planning permission for development sites (24/04476/EIA) granted in April 2025