Signs show complex is under way
Fears that a £38million shops and leisure complex which is to be developed in Kidderminster could be in jeopardy have been quashed as hoardings went up in the town. Traders have been concerned about a seeming lack of action.
Fears that a £38million shops and leisure complex which is to be developed in Kidderminster could be in jeopardy have been quashed as hoardings went up in the town. Traders have been concerned about a seeming lack of action.
They were worried about the proposed development – known as KTC3 – and speculation on the financial markets in the past two weeks that the preferred developers Wilson Bowden Developments might be sold by Barratt Developments who acquired the company last year.
But spokesman Claire Burrell said today that Wilson Bowden was committed to the development.
She said: "We remain wholly committed to all our projects and will continue to work closely with each of our development partners to deliver quality schemes synonymous with Wilson Bowden Developments."
Work on the multi-million pound shops and leisure complex could also start earlier than expected.
The scheme aims to bring a shabby part of the town centre back to life.
Proposals, including an artist's impression of what the site will look like, are up on the hoardings near the former magistrates court building. They include proposals for an eight-screen cinema, 20-lane bowling alley and a hotel, as well as shops and apartments.
Wyre Forest District Council hopes that the scheme will regenerate a part of town which is a major gateway into Kidderminster.
Comberton Hill, site of Kidderminster station and the Severn Valley Railway, leads directly to the proposed redevelopment site.
Mr Andrew Dickens, head of culture, leisure and operational services with the council, said: "With the plans going up on the hoardings, this has all moved on a further stage. Talks will now be taking place with people from the retail and leisure industry who could become potential tenants.
"Among the facilities planned for the site are a hotel, cinema, ten-pin bowling alley and catering franchises."
Ground tests have still to be carried out on the site, and planning permissions obtained, before work can start on the scheme.
A spokesman for Barratt Developments said they could not comment on speculation on the financial markets.
