NEW retail and restaurant space could be created after plans to transform the former headquarters of Kidderminster carpet firm Brintons were submitted.

The application, submitted to Wyre Forest District Council by Exchange Street Properties, focuses on plan to make the former Brintons Carpet offices a prime leisure destination, which will include restoring the Grade II listed building.

The 42,000 sq ft development will create about 20,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space, with a primary frontage to Riverside Walk, including a separate building with a frontage to Exchange Street and what will be a new public square outside Kidderminster Town Hall, leaving room on the upper floors for further development.

The site is owned by developer Max Goucher, who recently bought the former Brintons headquarters. He said: "I grew up in Kidderminster and the Brintons name is synonymous with the area. When I heard the site was for sale I immediately felt an affiliation for the location and to bring this historical, un-used building to life again."

Mr Goucher was a joint venture partner of the Weavers Wharf scheme in the town centre.

Conservative councillor John Campion, cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, said: "The district council has exciting plans to transform the public realm in Kidderminster during the course of the next year that will see improved spaces from Exchange Street through to the Bull Ring and High Street and we welcome proposals that will bring that vision to life."

Independent councillor Helen Dyke, Wyre Forest member champion for town centres, added: "I am very pleased to see any proposals come forward that will add to the vitality of the town centre, including those that improve our leisure offer that will attract further visitors to the town."

It is hoped the application will be determined later this summer. If planning permission is granted, work could start on site later this year or early next year.