RivingtonHark has been appointed by Shropshire Council to take the lead on the regeneration of Riverside and Smithfield areas in Shrewsbury.
The circa 9.8-acre site encompasses the now closed Riverside and Pride Hill shopping centres, which comprised some 700,000 sq ft and have long failed to meet the needs of the town.
As part of its regeneration plans RivingtonHark will seek to reconnect Riverside and Smithfield areas to the wider town centre by delivering a modern, sustainable and multi-functional destination for people and businesses in Shrewsbury. The firm plans to use the river that runs adjacent to the site as a focal point, while maintaining the heritage of the town.
RivingtonHark is tasked with delivering a mixed-used redevelopment, including the repurposing of Pride Hill mall and improvement of the Darwin Centre.
Phase one of the project is expected to have a GDV of more than £70m.
Lezley Picton, leader of the council, said: “This is an exciting and pivotal moment for Shrewsbury town. Following a rigorous and competitive process, RivingtonHark will take the reins on transforming an area in Shrewsbury town centre which has immeasurable potential. This is just one of the many steps as part of a long-term strategic vision to make Shrewsbury town centre a unique and vibrant destination for all.”
David Lewis, executive director at RivingtonHark, added: “Shrewsbury is a beautiful town with many great attributes, and this site represents a major opportunity to add to the overall attraction of the town. We very much look forward to engaging with stakeholders soon, as we progress and evolve the proposals. Projects like this, in towns like Shrewsbury, is what we do, it is what we live for, and we cannot wait to get fully immersed.”
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