Telford conference centre to undergo major refurb?
Telford could see its conference venue extended after the local council unveiled plans for a £250 million regeneration of the town centre.
The proposals include refurbishment of the events venue, with the aim of attracting an extra 200,000 conference organisers and delegates.
Telford and Wrekin Council and Southwater Event Group - which owns Telford International Centre - have jointly developed the plans, which also include the creation of new leisure facilities, hotels, public spaces, shops, bars, restaurants and homes.
Following approval of the scheme, it is expected that work will be able to begin in autumn 2010.
"After many years of talk and false dawns about how Telford town centre could be developed, we at last have a scheme that can be delivered," said Andrew Eade, leader of Telford and Wrekin Council.
Earlier this month, work began on a new conference centre in Guildford, which will feature a 1,000-seat auditorium, plus a 150-seat studio theatre.