PLANS to redevelop Bromsgrove BirdBox are underway, with contractors and council officers set to conduct on-site surveys shortly.
Although a start date for work on the former market hall site has not been confirmed, ecological and topographical studies have been completed with transport and highways assessments and structural investigations set to take place before the end of the month.
Businesses, organisations and residents are being encouraged to continue using the BirdBox while plans continue to take shape.
In the meantime, the district council will help hirers of the space for their events to keep the BirdBox in use ahead of any potential redevelopment.
District council leader Coun Karen May said: “The development of this site will create a new town centre destination, increasing daytime footfall and strengthening the evening economy to improve the viability and vitality of Bromsgrove.
“BirdBox gave us a taste of what is possible, and we will build on the success of this, but in the meantime, we really want the community to continue using this space as much as possible.
“Whilst the structure of the site might change, think of it as ‘building a better BirdBox’ because we’ll be getting a new and improved indoor and outdoor space.”
Coun May added consultation on the proposed redevelopment would be taking place soon.
The works will be funded through a £14.5million grant secured from the government’s levelling up fund.
This will also fund demolition and site clearance work on the former fire station and library site on Windsor Street ahead of planned redevelopment, as well as highway improvements to the High Street.
The former Market Hall project plans to deliver a building which provides flexible office space, business start-up and co-working spaces with restaurants and bars on the ground floor and a proposed pavilion building for hosting exhibitions and cultural and community events.
This will be surrounded by new public space.
There will be up to 2,500sq m of flexible commercial and cultural space to encourage new businesses and visitors to the area.
The development aim to create better connectivity between and within retail and leisure sites, and it will also aim to be sustainable by achieving a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating.
More information about the former market hall site will be added to the council’s website soon and public exhibitions will be held as part of the planning application process.
