Oakengates Limes Walk completion leads to next stage of regeneration works
The transformation of shop units on Limes Walk in Oakengates is now complete as the next stage of works to regenerate the town centre progresses at pace.
The external shop canopy on Limes Walk has been removed to open up the area and allow more light to reach the shop frontages. Temporary public realm works, part of the wider theatre project, have been delivered by Morris Property.
Properties have been demolished to make way for a large public realm area which will include a new pedestrianised zone, square and public spaces adjoining Limes Walk and Market Street. These community spaces are being created as part of the Theatre Quarter project and are located directly outside the theatre.
The Theatre Quarter works will link this area with Market Street, where many other businesses and services are based. It is intended to become a focal point for live events and an enhanced market.
Completion of the first phases has seen businesses move into transformed retail units, with further new businesses set to move in. Apartments above the retail units are now fully let.
Throughout the construction period this year, a programme of events is being finalised for Oakengates as part of Morris Property’s social value offer. These include street entertainment as well as children’s trails for the summer and Halloween. These social value initiatives aim to create better outcomes for the community by creating jobs, sourcing from local suppliers and improving wellbeing.
Meanwhile, the new ‘Turning Pages @ Oakengates Library’ at 6-8 Limes Walk has been handed over to Oakengates Town Council. It will be fitted out this month before officially opening to the public in mid-April. This ensures an essential library service continues in Oakengates, with the new site featuring a refreshment offer and seating area for community groups.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said: “Oakengates has seen huge improvements throughout this project and retail spaces in this area are now much more appealing to visit and we hope they will drive more footfall to the high street.
“This latest works will improve the overall look and feel of the town centre with a square and new public spaces which will look very attractive outside the new adjoining theatre once complete. We’re also extremely excited to see the new Oakengates Library open next month. It’s fantastic to see this project progressing well and it’s all part of our commitment to make Oakengates and the Borough a better place to live, learn, work and socialise.”
Steve Flavell, Construction Manager at Morris Property, said: “We are pleased to have worked with Telford & Wrekin Council and the local community throughout the regeneration of Limes Walk. The project has transformed the area and we are excited to see the next stage of works unfold.”
