The southern half of Wellington centre is dominated by victorian architecture within a medieval street layout. The character of some of the buildings in this space is threatened by a lack of investment over many years and we are in danger of losing spaces that should offer a comfortable and interesting, living, shopping and leisure environment.
This pedestrianised conservation area is being transformed into a vibrant and active space where there is a concentration of independent shops, character cafes and high quality office and living space for the community through:
the redevelopment of underutilised, empty and dilapidated buildings within the town centre
the development of a strong independent food and drink offer, with a focus on independent and start up food retailers to retain existing and attract new customers to the town centre
improvements to public spaces, encouraging increased and varied use of these spaces. This is particularly important in Market Square, which has the potential to act as a main focal point and destination for the town centre throughout the daytime, evening and weekends.
The project
This project is supported by Towns Funding; Telford & Wrekin Council and Wellington Town Council.
The project focuses on buildings and public spaces within the towns conservation area which contains many of the towns key assets including Wellington Market, Market Square, the rail and bus stations and the historic ‘lanes of Duke, Crown and Bell Streets.
It will:
redevelop underutilised, dilapidated buildings within the town centre to create new homes above refurbished shop units
improve public areas to encourage increased and varied use of these spaces.
Conditions surveys have been completed to establish those buildings within this area that are most at risk and have the greatest potential for redevelopment. Consideration has been given to all buildings within the conservation area that are empty or impacting the historic nature of the area. This has included number 4 Market Square/3 Market Street. This is a large property acquired privately circa. 5 years ago but which has seen no investment from the owners and remains empty and is recognised to be having a major impact on the historic character of the Market Square. Plans were drawn up by the private owner to create circa.13 very small living units apartments and refurbishment to create circa.3 commercial units. The owner has however now indicated that the condition of the building is such that they consider redevelopment to be unviable without significant public sector intervention.
Since 2021 the Council has tried to engage with the owner, but despite a number of options being discussed no agreement could be reached and the level of viability grant sought by the owner was in excess of that available through public sector funding. The owner has not been prepared to consider the disposal of the building to the Council or any kind of joint venture. Cost estimates to address the state of the building would also be far in excess of the total investment available through the Towns Fund or Wellington Town Council. The Council remains open to working with the owner but will also be seeking to drive improvement through appropriate enforcement action where the condition of the building is such that it has a significant negative impact on the environment or is unsafe.
The map below shows Wellington conservation area:
Developments will include:
1 Walker Street
The former YMCA building at 1 Walker Street is the landmark building within this space. It is a substantial and attractive Victorian building that presents a unique opportunity to create high quality living accommodation above a commercial space ideal for a potential restaurant to support the night time economy. The upper floors of this historic building have been empty for more than 15 years and is now unviable for redevelopment without public investment.
This building is being fully restored through the refurbishment of the ground floor retail unit and creation of nine upper floor apartments.
These buildings are of a similar time of construction as 1 Walker Street and form the key entry point to the network of small pedestrianised streets formed Crown, Duke and Bell Streets. Over years, unsympathetic works have been carried out to these buildings that have left them unstable and requiring complete redevelopment.
These buildings are now in council ownership and options for redevelopment are at an early stage. More information about this project will be available in due course.
Improvements to public spaces
Early design work is being carried out for public spaces in Market Square and the historic ‘lanes of Duke, Crown and Bell Streets.
Key milestones
1 Walker Street
January 2024
Planning determination expected.
Spring 2024 (12 month build programme)
Estimated start time on site.
2 Walker Street / 15 Crown and Duke Street
To be confirmed.
Improvements to public spaces
By March 2026
Public spaces improvements to be completed.
Project team
The project is being managed by the Telford & Wrekin Council Place Programme team.
