ReWyre 5 years on Last week’s feature highlighted the success of the ReWyre initiative over the last five years despite economic challenges. In this issue we will explore what will be happening over the next 12 months.

Hoobrook link road With roads around Kidderminster often running at capacity during rush hour, the Hoobrook link road has been designed to alleviate pressure from the ring road. The new road will link the A451 Stourport Road to the A449 Worcester Road in Kidderminster, cutting through Silverwoods, the former British Sugar Site. Phase one of the road has already been completed. Phase two, includes the development of a bridge across the River Stour and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and will connect the development site at Silverwoods to the Worcester road as well as serving the exciting new developments proposed for the site. The anticipated completion date for the Hoobrook link road is early 2016.

New public areas In early 2015, the new public area outside Kidderminster Town Hall, known as Exchange Place will start to take shape. The design is based on the original Penny Black postage stamp, paying homage to Sir Rowland Hill whose statue stands in the square. The revamp will re-organise how traffic uses the space in front of the Town Hall, creating a pedestrian friendly shared surface.

Conservative councillor John Campion, cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, said: “The plans for Exchange Place were enthusiastically received by Kidderminster residents during consultation last year. Improvements will extend down Vicar Street and High Street, including the surface, layout and street furniture to create a high quality environment at the core of the town.

“This project will complement the public realm work proposed for the Bull Ring area of Kidderminster. This includes the demolition of Crown House, making way for a new multi functional public square to accommodate the town market, provide a new cafe and retail units and create a sense of an open and welcoming place with trees, shrubs and lawns. The demolition of Crown House is planned for late 2014 early 2015.”

Further development proposals to the Weavers Wharf site include opening up the River Stour, creating a space for retail, restaurants and residential developments along the riverside, making the most of the canal network as a leisure destination.

Plans are also being considered for the regeneration of Worcester Street.

Stourport Marina An exciting new marina development has been proposed for Stourport. Located on the northern bank of the River Severn adjacent to the east of Stourport Marina, with Nelson Road separating the two sites, the new marina will create a vibrant focal point in the town. The new marina will create an additional 408 berths and associated facilities, 106 holiday let apartments, business and commercial opportunities complementary to the marina use and a new clubhouse with restaurant, lounge and gym. Proposals are currently at the planning stage.

Next week we will be looking at the ReWyre plans for the next 5 years.

To see the 2009 ReWyre prospectus, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk. Engage in the ReWyre initiative, visit twitter @NorthWorcsEDR #ReWyre.