Pictured above: Launching the first phase of the development at The International Centre, Telford, are (from left) Fergus Mitchell (Southwater Event Group), Victor Brownlees (Telford & Wrekin Council), Keith Greetham (Southwater Event Group), Richard Petyt (Asda), Cllr Andrew Eade and David Sidaway (Telford & Wrekin Council) 

Work has started on the first phase of a multi-million pound development that will transform the heart of Telford.

The work at The International Centre, in St Quentin Gate, is the start of the new Southwater development, and it's the first step towards a brand new convention quarter for the town.

The overall project is a joint initiative between the Southwater Event Group (owners of The International Centre) and Telford & Wrekin Council.

Southwater Event Group Chief Executive, Tom Gray, said the start of the ambitious development was a real milestone for the town.

"We're extremely excited to see work starting on site on the first stage of a development that will change the face of Telford.

"We've worked in partnership with the council, and with other organisations and businesses, including Asda, to bring this development to life, and we're all looking forward to a dynamic future for the town as a whole."

The initial work will create an additional entrance for The International Centre, which will allow the venue to host more events simultaneously and still manage traffic flow with ease.

Architects Austin Smith Lord will be working alongside build contractors Thomas Vale, and Scott Wilson will handle the structural and engineering works.

Following the creation of the new entrance, which is expected to be completed by September, work is then set to start on a second new access, more breakout space and a new event suite for up to 1500 delegates.

"Our ambition is to cement The International Centre's position as one of the best events venues in the UK, but to do this, we need to see the development of the town's infrastructure and this will help us create a more attractive destination for people to visit," said Tom.

"By investing in our facilities, we believe we can compete more effectively at a national and international level, and bring more business to the area which in turn will create new jobs and new investment opportunities."

Cllr Andrew Eade, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "The development of Southwater provides Telford with a tremendous opportunity to create a vibrant and bustling heart for the town.

"The enabling works for the new civic quarter are scheduled to start in December. The building of the Civic Offices and the remodelling of Southwater Lake will spearhead the large scale redevelopment and help create the new links between the Town Park and an enhanced shopping and leisure area. It's great news that the first phase of this incredibly important project is now under way, and we can't wait to see it develop."