£38m revamp set to begin
Work on a £38 million redevelopment which is set to turn the Worcester Street area of Kidderminster into a thriving night spot could start this summer.
A cinema, bowling alley, budget hotel, eateries and apartments, are expected to breathe life into that part of town and boost the evening economy.
Councillor Stephen Clee, leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said it was "Wyre Forest district's answer to Birmingham's bustling Broad Street area".
Councillor Clee told a Press conference that the design brief included an eight-screen cinema and 20-lane bowling alley, eateries, apartments, with a portion allocated as affordable housing, and parking to the rear of the complex.
The scheme will be funded by private finance and several companies including a hotel chain have already shown interest in becoming part of the development.
It was hoped that the end of Worcester Street would be pedestrianised to "create a more cosmopolitan atmosphere with outdoor seating areas".
He said: "It is an exciting project and shows how working with private companies can really benefit the town. The plans look fantastic and it would open up the town by providing another gateway. It will be the Wyre Forest district's answer to Birmingham's bustling Broad Street and will bring people into the town during the evening.
"It will see a site worth about £800,000 transformed into a £38 million development and will be brilliant for the evening economy.
"The regeneration scheme will help turn the town into a thriving nightspot as people visiting the centre's restaurants will wander through the town helping boost the evening economy in other areas as well. We hope to blend the old with the modern by retaining the old magistrates' court facade and are looking at signing a contract in late May. We are hoping to see the diggers moving onto the site this summer."
