Developers behind a new multi-million pound residential and retail complex in Market Drayton hope it will attract new shoppers to the town.
The Royal Oak Court development in Frogmore Road was officially opened last week by North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson.
He was joined by Market Drayton mayor Councillor Roy Aldcroft and his wife, June, as well as executives from Oswestry-based builders J.Ross Developments.
Royal Oak Court can accommodate at least three retail outlets, including bargain chain B&M which opened its doors two weeks ago.
It also includes 14 town centre apartments which are being sold through Barbers estate agents in Market Drayton.
J. Ross Developments chief executive Nick Scott said: “We have worked hard over the last four years to deliver a substantial increase in the quality of retail accommodation available in Market Drayton.
“We believe that Royal Oak Court will attract shoppers into the town and we hope it will help maintain a vital and vibrant town centre.
“It’s not a development on the edge of the town which detracts from the town centre and the issue for us is about putting things back into the town centre.
“Along with the 14 apartments, it should ensure that Market Drayton town centre remains active, both during the day and at night.”
Mr Scott added that B&M was “trading well” and the store had brought 25 jobs to the town “at a much needed time for the economy.”
Royal Oak Court marks the second phase of J. Ross’s involvement in redeveloping Market Drayton town centre, after refurbishing Frogmore Road car park and the opening of the Argos and Wilkinson stores in 2006.
Mr Paterson said: “I’m delighted that there’s been a major multi-million pound investment in the town which is providing jobs and bringing people to Market Drayton.
“This extra number of low cost flats will enable young people to continue living in the area and I hope the new retail outlets will keep people shopping in the town and make Market Drayton a more vibrant place.”
Councillor Aldcroft said he hoped Royal Oak Court would help Shropshire Council “push ahead” with refurbishing Market Drayton’s indoor market to give the town a “regenerated retail area.”
By Winston Brown
