Sustainable economy
The NWRR will see completion of the town’s outer ring road after more than 30 years. It represents key infrastructure that's important in helping Shrewsbury and Shropshire compete to attract new employers, and to help existing employers to thrive and grow.
Attracting investment
Good infrastructure is particularly important for businesses that need to distribute and receive goods, and provide services beyond their immediate location.
The NWRR will help to attract new employers to the area – helping to provide a positive future for younger people and families so that they don’t have to leave the area to prosper. Remaining an attractive place to live for younger people and families is important in ensuring that both Shrewsbury and surrounding villages remain sustainable communities into the future.
Shrewsbury West Urban Expansion
The Oxon Link Road (OLR) section at the western end of the NWRR route is a crucial part of the Shrewsbury West Urban Expansion (SUE) project. Running between the A5 and Holyhead Road, it will provide a much-needed alternative to the existing A458 Welshpool Road for traffic movements between the A5 trunk road and Shrewsbury town centre. The OLR is expected to support the delivery of approximately 750 new homes, up to 12 hectares of employment land, and a new expanded local centre as part of the SUE, and so forms a key part of Shrewsbury’s economic strategy.
Creating local jobs
It's estimated that 85% of aggregates used in schemes such as the NWRR come from Shropshire. Once construction begins, it means that not only will we use local materials, we'll also use local people to build it, creating employment and investing in people skills.
A more resilient economy in Shrewsbury, along with better connections to the rest of the county, will bring increased benefits and opportunities to the whole of Shropshire.