Centrepiece of Telford’s Regeneration Masterplan Receives Planning.

Associated Architects has worked with Telford & Wrekin Council to win planning permission for Southwater 1, which will form the centrepiece of the £250m Telford Southwater masterplan and marks a major step towards the region’s regeneration, which is expected to create 260 new jobs in the area. The new landmark building will accommodate the Council’s First Point and contact centre, tourist information and a replacement public library as well as bars, restaurants and a café. 

Located at a key nodal point between the town and a new public square and lake, the building seamlessly blends building and landscape with its curved, organic form, which is a direct response to the site’s peninsula like location. A solid masonry base, steps back at the upper floors, to provide terraces and green roofs. The gold anodised aluminium facades are fragmented to provide articulation and solar shading, as well as focussing dramatic views in and out of the building and maintaining visual connections between town, building and landscape.

Telford and Wrekin’s aspiration is for the building to be an exemplar of sustainability, with solutions including district heating, mixed mode ventilation using solar powered fans, high level heat recovery and exposed thermal mass.

Councillor Charles Smith said the building would sit in “pride of place in the Southwater development” and Council leader Kuldip Sahota said: “Our plans for Southwater will result in Telford town centre having a vibrant beating heart as well as a safe, secure and attractive evening economy.

Associated Architects director Matthew Goer commented …. “ Hub will be a new landmark for Telford with its creative and energetic mix of uses. The planning permission is a measure of the hard work and close working relationships established with the project stakeholders, community consultees and the Council.”

The project is due to open in Spring 2014.