Demolition of a former shopping centre and medical practice has begun, as part of a wider town regeneration scheme.

Developers began knocking down Shrewsbury’s Riverside shopping centre on Wednesday, and it is expected to take three months.

Once the site is cleared, work will begin to turn the area into a park, including play equipment and a dedicated events and performance area.

“This is a significant moment for Shrewsbury,” said Mark Barrow from Shropshire Council.

“The start of demolition at the Riverside site is the first step in an exciting period of change for this area of our town centre, one that will ultimately help us attract new visitors, residents, businesses and jobs,” he added.

The demolition has been funded by £19m from the government.

The park is the first phase of the wider Smithfield Riverside masterplan, which aims to revitalise the area between the River Severn, Darwin centre, Raven Meadows, and Roushill in the town centre.

Spencer Winter, from developer RivingtonHark, said it was the beginning of a “transformational journey” for Shrewsbury town centre.

To mark the demolition, Shropshire Council and the Shropshire Archives will curate a collection of memories of the area, called Riverside Remembered, which will go on display at an event on 1 October.

Members of the public have been encouraged to send photographs, videos or mementos of the area between 1974 and 2024, which will be included at the event.

“For many people in Shrewsbury and across Shropshire, the old nightclubs and shops in this area held a wealth of happy memories,” said Mr Barrow.

“Riverside Remembered is the perfect way to celebrate those memories and mark the beginning of a new chapter for this part of the town centre.”