An urban design specialist is being brought in to spearhead work on a huge revamp in Oakengates which is about to get underway.
Telford & Wrekin Council says officers are meeting this week to discuss how to push forward plans to regenerate the town.
Meanwhile, the council is injecting cash into a special project in Madeley, which is intended to raise the profile of the town.
Councillor Sean Kelly, cabinet member for efficient community focused council, said: “After many months of hard work, I am pleased to say that we are literally on the cusp of kickstarting Oakengates’ regeneration.”
Proposals for the town include a £500, 000 initiative for Market Street and the launch of a new Oakengates Regeneration Partnership.
Councillor Eric Carter, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and prosperity, said: “We are currently working on a number of exciting initiatives for the town, including the appointment of an urban design specialist who will be engaging with the local community and partner organisations to determine the priorities for the town and its residents.
“Officers are meeting this week to discuss the next stage of the work and how it will be carried out.
“A meeting will then be held with the proposed new Oakengates Regeneration Partnership, which members of the public will also be invited to attend and hear proposals for taking the work forward.”
Councillor Kelly said: “Make no mistake about it both the urban design specialist and the new regeneration partnership will be obligated to work closely with residents and traders to steer the course of the town’s regeneration.
“This really is an exciting time for the residents and traders of Oakengates.”
Meanwhile Telford & Wrekin Council has injected more than £18,000 into a Madeley Partnership, supported by Madeley Parish Council, project to raise the profile of the town.
The cash has been given via the Borough Towns Initiative and will help promote Madeley as being “the place to shop.”
The Madeley on the Map project will see a marketing campaign, new website and a celebration day held in the spring.
Councillor Gill Green, who is on Madeley Partnership, said: “I think this is really good. We are trying to raise the profile of Madeley as a place to shop and a place to meet people.”
Leader of the council Councillor Andrew Eade said: “I hope this much deserved funding can provide additional support to the variety of shops and businesses in the new look Madeley and help promote the town on a wider scale as a historic centre worthy of a visit.”
The Partnership is also making a list of “great things” about Madeley and residents are urged to share ideas by contacting the parish clerk at Madeley Parish Council on 01952 567280.