NEWSROOM

The building at the rear of the Hub on the Hill, which is now empty, very unsightly and attracting anti-social behaviour, is being knocked down as part of the first phase of an exciting project which is being managed by Telford & Wrekin Council, working in partnership with Madeley Town Council.

There will be overnight security whilst the demolition is taking place.

The new community hub at 103 Southgate will provide improved and expanded services for residents and will play a key role in supporting community activities and wellbeing.

The Hub on the Hill, which is managed by local people for local people, is in need of significant repairs so it is more cost effective to build a new facility rather than refurbishing the existing one.

Plans for the ground floor of the new hub include a central atrium area for events, a cafe, a larger hall enabling more sports and leisure activities, a community library and a youth and education room.

A new neighbourhood health hub is also proposed for the first floor which can be used for a range of activities including health checks, mobile screening, vaccinations, and outpatient appointments, as well as a potentially meeting rooms for local partners and groups to use.

It is also proposed that the new hub will include improved outside space, with the possibility of an outdoor gym and a community garden.

An event is planned for October where residents will be asked to give their views on the plans.

Telford & Wrekin Council, local ward members and partners are committed to working together to ensure that a new centre becomes a ‘one-stop shop’ hub for activities accessible to the local neighbourhoods.

Investment in a new hub will create a new focal point for Sutton Hill, leading to wider plans for the regeneration of local estates and also enable Madeley Town Council to rethink how the space is used to maximise footfall and income generation.

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said:

“These demolition works are the first part of an exciting project to bring a new community centre to Sutton Hill.

“Now is the time to redevelop this facility to create a new focal point for Sutton Hill, providing more services and facilities to help local people improve their health, gain qualifications and get a job, and maximise their household incomes.

“This project is all part of our commitment to make Sutton Hill and Telford and Wrekin a better place to live, learn, work and socialise.”

During the demolition of the current building at Severn Walk, there will be a temporary reduction in car parking provision (six spaces in total) in the surrounding area but every effort is being taken to minimise disruption and ensure that works are completed as efficiently as possible.

Councillor Helena Morgan, Chair of Madeley Town Council, said:

“The Hub on the Hill has been at the heart of Sutton Hill for many years, so it is fantastic to see this project moving forward.

"This is an opportunity to create a modern, welcoming hub that brings even more services and opportunities into the heart of the community. I would encourage residents to get involved and help shape what comes next."

Councillor Paul Watling, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health and Ward Member for Madeley & Sutton Hill, said:

“We’re really excited about this new development which will be a huge boost for everyone in Sutton Hill.

“The current hub on the hill has been a focal point of the community for decades and is a place where local people can meet, socialise and take part in essential community activities on their doorstep.

“Creating a new modern, facility will not only safeguard the hub’s future for generations to come, it will also enable additional facilities to be offered so these are really exciting times. We’re pleased to see the demolition works start.”

The work in Sutton Hill forms part of the Council’s wider commitment to making access to services and support easier and closer to home and complements longer‑term regeneration taking place across Sutton Hill, Brookside and Woodside, including the Government‑funded Pride in Place programme.

While Pride in Place focuses on longer‑term regeneration and giving residents a greater say in shaping their neighbourhoods, the Council’s own investment is supporting immediate, visible improvements to streets and shared spaces in these communities.

Woodside was selected by Government as one of the first areas in the country to take part in the programme, with Telford & Wrekin Council providing additional funding to expand the investment to Brookside and Sutton Hill.

Pride in Place funding was secured through joint work between Telford & Wrekin Council, Telford MP Shaun Davies and the community.