Quarry Management Plan Consultation
Shrewsbury Town Council is inviting residents, visitors and park users to help shape the future of one of the town’s most loved public spaces — The Quarry.
The Town Council has commissioned a new Conservation Management Plan for the 29-acre park to help guide its future care, protection and enhancement for generations to come. The plan will ensure The Quarry continues to be a welcoming, accessible and resilient green space while responding to changing environmental, social and operational challenges. Local residents are invited to complete a public consultation which will focus on the following areas.
The Quarry is one of Shrewsbury’s most treasured public assets and a key part of the town’s historic and civic identity. Sitting alongside the River Severn and within walking distance of the town centre, it plays an important role in everyday life in Shrewsbury. From families enjoying the play area and dog walkers using the open spaces, to major community events, festivals and concerts attracting visitors from across the UK, The Quarry remains at the heart of the town’s cultural life.
As a Grade II listed Historic Park & Garden, The Quarry requires careful long-term management to balance conservation, accessibility, recreation, ecology and future investment. The Conservation Management Plan will provide a strategic framework to help protect the park’s historic character while identifying practical opportunities for improvement and sustainability.
The work builds upon wider town centre initiatives including the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan and the Movement & Public Spaces Strategy, while complementing existing conservation plans for other important heritage sites across the town.
Working Together
Following a competitive tender and interview process, Shrewsbury Town Council appointed a specialist consultant team led by Shrewsbury-based landscape architects Camlins to develop the plan.
The wider team includes Berrys, BCHN Architects, Salopian Consultancy, Hightopp Creations and f.r.a., bringing together expertise in landscape architecture, heritage, planning, ecology, arboriculture, accessibility, play and wayfinding.
Importantly, the Conservation Management Plan will be shaped through collaboration with local stakeholders, community organisations, park users, event organisers, businesses, heritage groups and residents.
Councillor Rob Wilson, Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said:
The Quarry is one of Shrewsbury’s most important public assets and this Conservation Management Plan will play a vital role in helping us preserve it for future generations.
We want to ensure the plan reflects not only the heritage of The Quarry, but also how people use it today and how it may be used in the future — all while protecting this incredibly special green space that sits at the heart of Shrewsbury’s identity.”
Why Is This Work Needed?
The Quarry is a heavily used public space and faces a number of ongoing challenges, including ageing pathways, flood impacts, riverbank erosion, increasing maintenance pressures and changing expectations around accessibility, safety and recreation.
During previous public discussions, residents highlighted a wide range of ideas and priorities for the park, including improved lighting and CCTV, enhanced toilet facilities, better cycling considerations, river safety improvements and future play provision.
This new plan will help the Town Council better understand how people use The Quarry today, what they value most about it and how it can continue to evolve sensitively in the future.
Have Your Say
Public consultation is a key part of the process and the Town Council is encouraging everyone who uses or values The Quarry to take part.
This is the first round of public engagement and feedback gathered will help inform the development of the Conservation Management Plan throughout 2026, ahead of further consultation later in the year and final adoption in early 2027.
The public survey will be available from 6 June until 6 July using the link below. There will be paper copies of the survey available from Shrewsbury Town Council's office at Livesey House, 7 St John's Hill, Shrewsbury. SY1 1JD
Drop-In Sessions
Residents can also speak directly with representatives from the project team at a series of drop-in sessions taking place in The Quarry:•
- On Saturday 6 June From 8am till 1pm. Taking place at the East entrance near St Julian’s Friars.
- On Sunday 7 June From 10am till 2pm. Taking place near the play area and coffee shop.
- On Monday 8 June From 11am till 8pm. Taking place at the Main Gates near St Chad's Church.
We encourage everyone to come along, share their views and help shape the future of The Quarry.