A HOST of celebratory events will be held in Bromsgrove town centre tomorrow (Saturday) to mark the opening of the new High Street.
Kicking off the day, on Saturday (August 23) Bromsgrove Civic Head John Ruck and Worcestershire County Council Chairman Pam Davey will cut the ribbon at 10.30am outside Argos.
A fantastic line-up of events for the whole family to enjoy up will run until 4pm.
It includes a magician drumming group, bouncy castle, dance troupe and other Bromsgrove acts.
The completion of the ambitious regeneration project has seen a number of changes – the High Street has been completely resurfaced and levelled with York stone and granite paving and has been gilded with ornate lamp-posts and street furniture.
A number of its historic buildings have also received a revamped.
Now it is up-and-running, every week, residents will be able to enjoy something different – this will vary from sport and leisure themes and a food and drink focus, as well as arts and crafts and heritage days.
Coun Michael Webb, responsible for economic development, said: “The High Street looks absolutely brilliant and I am delighted we are marking the completion of this mammoth project with a feast of fun for everyone to enjoy.
“The High Street regeneration is just one part of our plans to boost the economy of Bromsgrove and joins the completed projects of the Health Centre and the blue light development.
“And, there’s more to come including Parkside and news of a high profile retailer coming to town.”
But leader of the Bromsgrove Labour Group Luke Mallett said although the opening was great news, urgent action was now needed to protect what the town had left as he feared, like many residents, the High Street repave may be ‘too little, too late’.
“I welcome any investment in our town centre but this revamp was first promised by the Conservatives in 2007 and was pledged to begin within a year.
“Aside from the cutting down trees and the demolition of the Market Hall, creating another car park (now a builders yard) nothing happened for seven years.
“In that time many of our shops have gone, both big High Street names and more local stores.
“Repaving the High Street is not the answer to all our problems and the years of dithering have taken their toll as well.”
Visit http://www.betterbromsgrove.com/ for more.
