Call to revamp town centre
Parts of Kidderminster town centre need an urgent revamp to lure back shoppers and help maintain its economic future, regeneration bosses said today.
Vacant units in Worcester Street are the next to be targeted in the ongoing transformation of the shopping centre but planners say other areas must be looked at closely in a bid to attract big name stores.
Planning officer Ken Harrison said many shoppers had been lured away by larger Midland shopping centres.
In a recent count there were 48 vacant shop premises in Kidderminster, with Worcester Street being the hardest hit. Since Littlewoods closed down nearly a year ago there has been other shops following including Walmsley's furniture, BeWise discount store and Select fashions.
A number of bargain stores have opened in the town and Mr Harrison said the balance needed to be "closely monitored".
Incoming stores have included B & M Bargains and several new shops have recently opened in vacant units in the Rowland Hill Centre and Swan Centre.
Studies have also shown that the town is managing to claw back spending power with more people than six years ago preferring to stay in the town than going elsewhere to shop.
Mr Harrison said the town "benefited from key anchor units such as Woolworths, Boots and various national clothing chains" and that studies suggested there would be continued demand for floorspace for years to come."
The report will be considered by members of Wyre Forest District Council prosperity policy panel on Wednesday.
By Sue Smith
