A public exhibition has been held by Telford and Wrekin Council (TWC) to allow local residents to view proposals for the £250m regeneration of the Southwater area of Telford's town centre.

The Southwater Core redevelopment proposals, which will form part of the wider regeneration of the Shropshire town, include new leisure facilities, a new public square, restaurants, bars and hotel accommodation. It is hoped that the scheme will also improve pedestrian links with other areas of Telford town centre, including Telford Shopping Centre, the International Centre and the Town Park.

Economic development company Transforming Telford is working with TWC to deliver the scheme, along with Advantage West Midlands, the Southwater Events Group and the Homes and Communities Agency. A formal planning application is expected to be submitted in June. TWC leader Andrew Eade said: "This is another very important stage in bringing ours and our partners' vision for the regeneration of the Southwater Core area forward. It will transform this key area, with much improved cultural and leisure facilities, new homes and places to work, making this part of the town centre come alive."