Benoy's £200m Telford scheme wins planning

Plans by architect Benoy for a £200m development of the town centre of Telford in Shropshire have been approved.
The planning application is one of the biggest ever to be approved by Telford & Wrekin Council and is expected to generate more than 1,000 construction jobs.
The scheme, by Sovereign Land, will be delivered over a five year period and includes the redevelopment of the existing Asda store along with new retail, catering and leisure uses and improved pedestrian and public transport access.
In all, it will add 400,000sq ft of retail and 250,000sq ft of restaurant, bars, cinema and hotel space to the 1m sq ft shopping centre at the heart of Telford.
Councillor Kuldip Sahota, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We are really pleased that Sovereign Land have been granted permission for their planned £200m development within and around the existing shopping centre.
“Their vision fits well with how the council wants to see the borough develop as a destination that incorporates a wide range of employment, leisure, retail and housing, bringing a true urban feel to the town centre.
“We are just a few months away from opening the first phase of the £250m Southwater development, and Sovereign Land’s investment into the shopping centre will complement greatly Southwater and Telford & Wrekin council’s vision for growth.”