Bewise building to become pub

The former Bewise premises in Kidderminster town centre could be transformed into a restaurant and pub after lying empty for almost two years.

Plans have been unveiled for the project in Worcester Street, increasing hopes of breathing new life into the once thriving part of town.

It has fallen on hard times since the opening of Kidderminster's flagship Weavers Wharf shopping complex in 2003 and seen the loss of Littlewoods, Adams Kids, Select and Walmsley's furniture store.

Civic leaders are hoping to revitalise the area and are drawing up plans for a separate £38million KTC3 development at the bottom end of Worcester Street, which will include eateries and leisure facilities.

And they believe a new pub and restaurant nearer the shops would complement the scheme and "act as a magnet", attracting more customers to the complex, which they hope will become a thriving nightspot.

Nos 2 Limited has applied for permission to change the use of the former Bewise premises at 25-27 Worcester Street to create a restaurant and pub on the ground and first floors. Until now the premises have failed to attract any business interest since the store closed its doors after nearly 20 years in the town in March 2006.