Kidderminster’s new public realm is stairway to heaven
The music of Midlands rock band Led Zeppelin is being celebrated in a new public square in the band’s heartland.
IBI Group has designed Kidderminster public realm to celebrate the contribution the band made to local culture.
The public realm is focused on two new public squares.
One of the squares, Exchange Place, previously open to traffic, has been transformed into a pedestrian-priority public square. The design represents the form, colour and fan pattern detailing of the ‘Penny Black’ postage stamp. This has been done to celebrate Roland Hill, a local philanthropist, who founded the modern postal system and whose statue stands in the space.
As the Worcestershire town has a rich rock music heritage, being home to two of Led Zeppelin’s members – drummer John Bonham and singer Robert Plant – this has been celebrated with the installation of themed street furniture and public art features within the pedestrianised shopping streets.
The creation of a heritage trail through the town centre includes a collection of specially crafted seats in the form of vinyl record stacks and bespoke benches in the shape of guitar necks.
Danny Marsh, IBI Group Landscape Architect and Studio Associate, said: “We are proud to have transformed Kidderminster’s public realm and shift the focus of the town centre back to its traditional heart with a focus on the pedestrian experience.
“We hope the council’s investment will become a catalyst for economic regeneration and a place in which both locals and visitors can enjoy for many years to come.”
