Local Identity

Shrewsbury won the prestigious Academy of Urbanism Great Town/Small City Award.  Annually the Academy seeks nominations from its 1600 members for their awards which recognise the Best Street, Place, Neighbourhood, Town/City and European City.  Those nominations are shortlisted to 3 finalists in each category and, following visits by judges, the wider membership votes to determine the winners. Shrewsbury was shortlisted alongside Bath and Lewes and Academy Judges visited the town in September, meeting people from all walks of life to understand how Shrewsbury met the judging criteria. The awards highlight city and town centres which, along with strong leadership and strategy, have created great places to live, work and visit.

After securing Levelling Up Funding demolition began on the once much-loved Park Lane Night Club, the Riverside Shopping Centre and the Medical Centre. This vital milestone paves the way for a new park and essential groundwork for an exciting development. What was once a less photogenic corner of our town will soon become a hub of vibrancy and community.

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings opened in 2023. In July 2024, this iconic building achieved national recognition by winning multiple awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects, including the RIBA West Midlands Building of the Year, Client of the Year, Project Architect of the Year and Conservation Award and the overall RIBA National Award.

Often called the “grandfather of skyscrapers”, the Flaxmill Maltings underwent an extraordinary restoration project that combined historic preservation with innovative design. The project has been praised for its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to breathe new life into an industrial-era building, making it a symbol of resilience and progress.

The judges highlighted the project’s ability to harmonise the past and present, creating a space that celebrates Shrewsbury’s heritage while offering a dynamic, functional venue for the community.

Shrewsbury Arts Trail celebrated its fourth year with pieces from internationally recognised artists positioned in key locations including St. Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury Castle, The Dingle in the Quarry Park and Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery. Displays attracted significant discussions about what quantifies good art, and increased footfall in those locations.

Shrewsbury Rangers, Quarry Security and Taxi Marshals continue to patrol Shrewsbury on a regular basis to provide reassurance to the public and help discourage and detect anti-social behaviour and crime. Originally funded from Home Office Safer Streets initiative this is now funded by Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury BID, Shrewsbury Town Council and the West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner.

Shropshire Council has established a new Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), covering all public spaces, parks and play areas.  This allows officers to instruct dogs to be put on leads, restrict dogs from certain sites like play areas and sports facilities and to issue penalties for dog fouling.

To recognise the town’s achievements in awards, National Grant funding and public accolades, the Big Town Plan Partnership hosted a celebration event to congratulate and thank its partners. Town Council staff were applauded for the work in achieving a Horticultural Excellence Award & Overall Winner in Heart of England in Bloom.

To celebrate the adoption of the Movement & Public Space Strategy, the Big Town Plan Partnership hosted a 4 day festival focused on celebrating and promoting movement in all of its forms. The festival aimed to encourage active travel, explore sustainable transport options and enhance community engagement. It featured a conference on town planning at which a number of nationally recognised specialists visited the town to speak. There was a variety of activities in the Square and a there was a surprise ferris wheel for families to enjoy, all within the close