ReWyre – A Vision for the future In this final feature in the ReWyre series, we look to the future and what is in the pipeline for Kidderminster over the next seven years.

Eastern Gateway and Worcester Street Proposals The Eastern Gateway area covers the current leisure centre, old law courts and Worcester Street. Proposals to redevelop this area include the leisure centre relocating to a new facility on the former British Sugar Site and a mixed use development taking its place. This could include shops, offices and new homes.

Kidderminster Railway Station Kidderminster has the second busiest railway station in Worcestershire with about 1.3 million passengers passing through its doors each year. This highlights the importance of Kidderminster Railway Station as a strategic rail hub and the need for regeneration in the area.

The aim of the Kidderminster Interchange project is to provide a brand new transport hub for the town. This includes a new station building and enhanced passenger facilities, a new layout for the station forecourt with improved facilities for pedestrians, buses, cars and taxis, and improvements to the station’s access from Comberton Hill.

ReWyre regeneration proposals aim to create a high quality "gateway" to Kidderminster, to improve the arrival experience for everyone including business visitors and tourists. Plans also include enhanced links to one of the district’s major tourist attractions the Severn Valley Railway, which attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year. The proposals would have a positive impact on Kidderminster by reducing conflict between road users and improving accessibility to the town centre. Planning permission is in place and funding streams are being explored.

West Midland Safari Park West Midland Safari and Leisure Park (WMSLP) is one of the largest tourist attractions within the district, attracting about 750,000 visitors each year. A key aspiration of WMSLP is to improve and enhance the existing park and to upgrade the three star attraction to a four star resort by creating a major new conference facility, indoor water park and hotel. WMSLP would also like to create a new station on the Severn Valley Railway. This would provide a direct link by monorail to the national rail network.

Going forward Conservative councillor John Campion, cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, said: “The economic and regeneration team at Wyre Forest District Council works alongside partners to deliver on the projects aspired to through the ReWyre initiative.

"We are looking forward to our conference in October which will highlight past, present and future. We will be focusing on objectives for the next seven years by identifying a range of projects for the ReWyre board to act upon. “ To see the 2009 ReWyre prospectus, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk. Engage in the ReWyre initiative, visit Twitter @NorthWorcsEDR #ReWyre.