The main contractors behind preparatory works for the £250 million Southwater regeneration have started major work on site.

From Monday, security fencing went up around parts of the site signalling the start of major works to prepare Southwater for massive investment.

Telford & Wrekin Council appointed McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd as the main contractors for the work.

Before Christmas, they will begin one of the most visible signs of the development to date - draining the Southwater Lake .

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The lake will then be filled in to create a development plot for the Council’s new Civic Offices. A new lake of equivalent size will be built alongside the new Civic Offices building.

Fish from the lake have already been relocated to Withy Pool earlier in the year. Ecologists have confirmed that ducks, moorhens and other birds will relocate of their own accord once the works start.

These initial works, which will completely transform the Southwater area of the town centre, focus on getting the site ready for major public and private sector investment over the next 10-15 years to create a true heart to the town.

The contractors will over the next year be preparing sites for development with this phase of works due to finish in November 2011.

(CD/KMcA)