Town's redevelopment work 'slowed down trade'

Businesses in a Telford town centre said trade has slowed down since redevelopment work began in Oakengates with "nothing enticing people to stay and shop".

The work, part of a £300m investment across the Telford and Wrekin borough, is turning Oakengates into a "Theatre Quarter", but there have been delays and Telford Theatre will now reopen next year.

John Ellis, who has run The Crown Inn for 31 years and relies on passing theatre goers, said: "It's really down to the borough council, they've got to do more for the local town."

Telford and Wrekin Council said it understood the challenges Oakengates faced, but the town had seen huge improvements already.

Ellis said since the theatre closed in February 2024, his business and other nightlife had been affected due to being "the main feed pub" for the theatre.

He said he was pleased to see money being "pumped" into other towns, like Wellington, and wanted the same for Oakengates.

"It's all very well having 14 identikit restaurants in Southwater, but there's more to Telford and Wrekin and the borough than just Southwater," he said.

Shelly Lemon from Shelly's Creations said trade had "gone quiet" and she had seen a hairdressers and fabric shop shut.

Moving units had led to a bit more footfall, but some customers had complained at car parks being taken over by the building work.

"There's not much to do to make people stay for a couple of hours," she said.

"It's very much go in, get what you need and go. There's nothing enticing people to stay in Oakengates."

Jody Jones, who runs Pamper Me Pretty, said: "We've been here 10 years and we've got all the trade, but I would say it's slowed down a bit just because people aren't coming here for the theatre. Car parks have been taken over because the workmen need the space."

The redevelopment work on the 1960s shopping precinct began in 2023, and last May, businesses asked for extra support from the council because they said it has caused shoppers to stay away.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, cabinet member for economy and transport, said many retail units had been revamped, which would appeal to visitors and increase footfall.

Public realm work was "starting to improve the overall look and feel of the town centre" and new Oakengates Library opened earlier this month.

The council had engaged with traders from the start, he said, and supported them moving into new units.

"We remain committed to supporting businesses throughout this transitional period, but when the Theatre Quarter works are complete, together with the new Telford Theatre, Oakengates will be completely transformed."

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