AN APPROACH to key redevelopment opportunities in Bromsgrove town centre, up until 2040, has been agreed in principle by the district council.
Cabinet members endorsed a detailed report on five potential strategic regeneration sites.
The proposed regeneration of two sites – clearance works to unlock land at Windsor Street including the former fire station and library for residential development, and a commercial and cultural development on land at St John Street including the last part of the former Market Hall site – has been backed by £14.5million secured from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Two more proposed sites feature in local plans – land on Stourbridge Road next to Aldi for a commercial or mixed-residential development, and at School Drive between the church and the leisure centre which could become a residential development.
A new endorsed fifth site could see Churchfields multi-storey car park be replaced with a residential development in the future.
The Bromsgrove Town Centre 2040 Vision report identifies potential strategic regeneration opportunities and follows on from the town’s previous regeneration strategy.
The council says a partnership of agencies, formed in 2008, saw Bromsgrove High Street relaid, the market expanded, a new library built, doctors’ surgery and hub created at Parkside, the new blue light centre, leisure centre and bus and railway stations.
Former brownfield sites at Recreation Road, St John Street and Burcot Lane have been turned into new commercial and residential developments.
The district council’s portfolio holder for economic development, Coun Sue Baxter, said: “Town centres have got to keep moving and regenerate themselves to keep up with the times and the changing needs of shoppers, residents, and businesses.”
“It’s important the council listens and identifies the right opportunities to do this, to ensure that major unused or underused sites don’t stay that way, don’t stagnate, and instead get the best chance of a new lease life to attract people and investment into a vibrant town centre.”
Bromsgrove District council leader, Coun Karen May, said: “This council has a proven track record of delivering high quality regeneration projects that benefit our local economy, and of securing investment into the district.
“We believe this ambitious and deliverable vision will enable the regeneration Bromsgrove needs in the near future.”
