Regeneration in Redditch & Bromsgrove
Bromsgrove and Redditch are both currently experiencing an exciting time for regeneration focused projects thanks to funding from multiple sources as well as Council funded projects.
Bromsgrove
The Former Market Hall project to create a Commercial and Cultural Hub in the centre of Bromsgrove Town Centre received full planning permission in February 2024. This landmark development aims to build on the success of BirdBox (an outdoor event space) to provide a new location for businesses, community, and activity, acting as a catalyst for further development on the High Street. This project has been funded by the Levelling Up Fund.
Bromsgrove district Council were awarded £14.5 million of Levelling Up funding in 2021, and along with the Former Market Hall project this funding is also being used for demolition and site clearance work on Windsor Street – the former Fire Station and Library site.
Bromsgrove has also been in receipt of UK Shared Prosperity Fund funding. The district was allocated £2.8 million of funding and are using this funding to deliver the strategic goal of building communities which are safe, well maintained, and green. Investing in the district’s town and villages and giving residents and visitors the opportunity to be active, creative, and make the most of the local cultural and heritage offer. The funding will also help to nurture local business and help residents to develop skills which are in demand locally.
Redditch
In 2021 Redditch was awarded £15.6 million in funding from the Towns Fund – the largest investment in the town since the 1960s when it was designated a New Town. The funding covers three key developments: the Public Realm, the Digital Manufacturing and Innovation Centre, and the regeneration of the current Redditch Library area into a Plaza.
Redditch Railway Station has also been earmarked for redevelopment by Worcestershire County Council as part of their Bus and Rail Improvements Scheme. The project will see the creation of a two-storey accessible building, creation of new landscaped public space, and improved accessibility.
Alongside these projects, Redditch Town Hall is being redeveloped into a Community Hub. This works involves creating new space for public services to be housed within the existing Town Hall building. The NHS have already moved into the building and the project has recently entered into its next phase.
A joint emergency services hub is currently being built for the local fire and police services. This relocation of the Police Station from the Town Centre to this new location has allowed the Digital Manufacturing and Innovation Centre to be proposed in its place. This is just one example of the ‘butterfly effect’ of regeneration which is currently taking place in Redditch.
Like Bromsgrove, Redditch Borough Council have also been in receipt of UK Shared Prosperity Fund funding. Redditch was allocated £2.5 million from the fund and will using the funding to deliver the strategic purpose of building communities which are safe, well maintained, and green. The fund will support projects which help residents to live independent, active, and healthy lives and will also support local business and help residents to develop skills which are in high demand locally.
Redditch was also earmarked to receive £5m capital funding as part of the Spring 2024 Budget, to support local culture projects in the area. Consultations and the development of a bid now need to take place before a proposal is put to National Government for consideration.