Shropshire Council is inviting feedback on a significant redevelopment plan aimed at transforming the gyratory road system and pedestrian pathways near Shrewsbury railway station.

This initiative follows the successful acquisition of funds from the Government’s Level Up Funding Round 2 scheme in 2023, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing the area’s infrastructure. The Council was supported by the Big Town Plan Partnership in making its bid for funding.

The redevelopment plan encompasses major thoroughfares such as Castle Gates (A5191), Chester Street (A528), and Smithfield Road (A458), along with efforts to foster active travel north and south of the station. Key features of the proposed improvements include:

• Implementing a 20 MPH speed limit across the gyratory to bolster safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.
• Expanding pavements and installing new signal-controlled crossings to facilitate safer pedestrian movement.
• Adding benches and creating a new footpath on Cross Street’s southern side to enhance pedestrian accessibility.
• Establishing two new cycle routes on Castle Street, aimed at promoting active travel corridors to the station’s north and south.
• Upgrading junctions and improving ingress and egress around the gyratory area.
• Introducing green spaces to create a more inviting and environmentally friendly area.

To comply with the funding requirements, the project is divided into three phases, with completion targeted by Spring 2025. The initial phase will create an active travel link between the station and Shrewsbury town centre. The second phase will extend the active travel corridor northward to Flaxmill Maltings, integrating Castle Foregate, New Park Road, and the existing Canal Path.

The final phase focuses on reorganizing the gyratory roads and footpaths to support the new travel corridors, aiming to make the area outside the station safer and more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists.

Community input is highly valued, and residents are encouraged to share their opinions online at Shrewsbury Station Gyratory Consultation. Additionally, public consultation events will be hosted at St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Place, on the following dates:

• Thursday, February 8, from 1 pm to 7 pm
• Friday, February 9, from 10 am to 4 pm
• Saturday, February 10, from 10 am to 4 pm

The consultation period will remain open until 23:55 on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024, providing a platform for all interested parties to contribute to the shaping of this crucial project.

Dan Morris, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways, said:

“The Station Gyratory public space and active travel improvements are an important part of the overall shared vision for the future of Shrewsbury town centre and I’m delighted that we have secured LUF2 funding for this work. Now we really want to hear people’s views on our proposals.

“This project will see improvements around the Station Gyratory area which will greatly enhance the area, improve accessibility, and ease movement for people travelling through the area – whatever their mode of travel.

“The proposed improvements and changes to public space will also improve public safety throughout the area and celebrate the local character of our historic town centre.

“I encourage people to have a look and tell us what they think.”