THE REVAMP of Rubery village centre, which will cost £100,000, has been confirmed and is set to get under way in the coming weeks.
The scheme is being co-ordinated by NWedR (North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration) on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council, which has contributed £75,000 of the funding, and it will be carried out by Worcestershire County Council, which has provided £25,000.
The first stage was a ‘public realm’ audit of New Road last year where the main shopping area was assessed to see how it could be improved.
The aim is to ‘declutter’ the high street so it is more pedestrian friendly and a more pleasant place to be.
Among the work being undertaken will be the painting of lamp posts, the removal of un-needed bollards, the bollards that are needed will be replaced, bent poles will be taken out, broken benches and bus shelters will be repaired or replaced.
The idea is to reach a ‘quality charter’ to ensure Rubery’s shopping area is maintained to a very high standard, both now and in the long-term future.
The plans will shortly go on public display online and in Rubery Library, with a special information day to be held in the village in May.
Cheryl Welsh is the Bromsgrove Centres Manager for NWedR on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council, and leads the project partnership with local businesses.
She said: “The project continues to gather momentum and it’s all positive news for Rubery.
“We are building a strong working partnership with the councils and local businesses and this public realm plan is just the first step of many.”
At the last PACT meeting, Mrs Welsh said the scheme needed everyone to get involved and any ideas about improving the village would be welcomed.
“It is important that residents have ownership of this scheme – it should not seem like someone is coming in and forcing things on the village that are not wanted.
“We want to work with as many groups and people as possible to improve Rubery,” she added.
One group which has gained a lot of acclaim in recent years for improving the village is Rubery in Bloom and Mrs Welsh said she was very interested in working with the group and others.
The importance of businesses taking pride in their shops and the area surrounding them was also expressed at the PACT meeting.
Coun Karen May, Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said: “We see Rubery as a great opportunity in the district.
“This council is getting behind local business because we want to do our bit to help them grow and achieve their potential.”
Coun Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: “Our ongoing public realm programme plays an important role in supporting local businesses and stimulating the county’s economy.
“It also aesthetically improves public spaces for residents and visitors, which in turn makes areas more attractive to live and visit.”
The work is part of the county council’s public realm programme to enhance Worcestershire’s public access areas so they remain attractive vibrant places where people want to visit, shop and spend time.
Other schemes have included Bromsgrove High Street and Market Street and Angel Place in Worcester and future ones include Redditch, Droitwich and Kidderminster.
The Standard says…….
IT IS fantastic the £100,000 Rubery Centre face-lift will soon be under way.
We have had many people contact us about the state of the village, both in terms of look and feel – problems exacerbated by the Longbridge Town Centre development.
Rubery has some fantastic shops and a great community spirit and hopefully the new-look centre will being even more shoppers and visitors.
A lot of credit has to go to councillors and residents for the way they have lobbied the powers that be, turned up to PACT meetings and let their voices be heard on the village they care passionately about.
