Kidderminster town centre redevelopment moves closer
THE next step in the transformation of Kidderminster town centre has been taken after a planning application was lodged with Wyre Forest District Council by Henderson Global Investors.
Its application focuses on plans to transform the River Stour into a centrepiece within a new public square, which will feature markets, fetes and other events, flanked by new restaurants and cafes.
The proposals include new trees and landscaping, new street furniture, seating and extensive areas of pedestrian priority space.
The area will also include a flexible area for short stay parking which will be available for use when markets or events are not being held.
Henderson’s proposals include the demolition of a number of shops and offices including Crown House, a building regarded by some as creating a negative image for the town.
The property firm says it proposes to relocate all affected businesses within the town centre.
Proposals for Weavers Wharf include a new anchor retail unit of 5,552 sq m, three restaurants next to the canal (of about 300 sq m each), three café/retail units overlooking the new square (totalling just over 1,000 sq m) and a new bridge over the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal to provide access to Matalan directly from Weavers Wharf retail park.
The proposed extension will add an additional 20% of floor space to the c.325,000 sq ft retail park.
Martin Perry, director of retail development at Henderson, said: “We are excited about this next stage in the development process and hope to begin work to transform the area next year.”
It is important that Kidderminster adapts and changes with the times. The submission of this planning application is a key milestone ”
Pending approval, work is likely to start in mid-2014 and complete in summer 2016.
