A BOLD bid to usher in ‘a new chapter for Bromsgrove’ by creating a new commercial and cultural hub on the former market hall site moved a step closer after the planning application was submitted.
If approved, BirdBox, a community and events space for the past four years, would be replaced by the new development and work could start next summer.
The three-part proposal, submitted by North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWEDR) on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council, includes a pavilion for creative exhibitions, markets and community use during the day, evenings and weekends.
The separate commercial would encompass office space, a new ground-floor food and drink outlet and a rooftop restaurant.
Public space would include opening up and re-naturalising the Spadesbourne Brook, along with seating and landscaping.
The project is mostly funded through government cash following a successful bid by the district council and NWEDR.
In October 2021 the council was awarded £14.5million of levelling up cash, which can only be spent on projects highlighted in the bid, including the former market hall site.
Plans were revealed as part of the public consultation process earlier this year.
Council Leader Karen May said: “Having been at the opening of BirdBox I am very sad it’s the end of that era – however this new development literally will ‘bring the outside in’ which means the community and events space will not be hampered by our weather.
“If planning permission is granted, a whole new chapter awaits Bromsgrove.”
The council’s deputy Leader and cabinet member for economic development, Coun Sue Baxter added: “This is an exciting milestone and I want to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and gave their views.
“These next steps are vital to the future regeneration of Bromsgrove and I am pleased we have taken our time to get to this point, by listening to our residents, partners and stakeholders.”
Visit bromsgrove.gov.uk/fmh for more information.
