REGENERATION chiefs could use a compulsory purchase order to buy up Kidderminster town centre units to make way for an £11m redevelopment.

Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet will consider using its powers of compulsory purchase to acquire a number of properties in Lower Mill Street, when it meets on July 14.

The authority is looking to press ahead with its plans in conjunction with Weavers Wharf owners Henderson to transform that part of the town, including the demolition of Crown House, and create new shops, cafes and restaurants.

A year ago the Council agreed to the principle of using CPO in order to support the negotiations that Henderson were having with property owners whose properties were required for the redevelopment which was granted planning permission in 2014.

Cabinet will hear that those negotiations have not yet been successfully concluded and it is proposed that the council should now accelerate the process by pursuing the compulsory purchase of the properties - if no significant progress is made by the end of September.

Cllr John Campion, Cabinet Member for Planning & Regeneration said: “The Council has made clear its commitment to transform Kidderminster town centre and we will deliver on that promise.

“We are already spending £2m with Worcestershire county council on improving the public realm to create a better visitor experience and will launch our Music Heritage Trail at the Kidderminster Arts Festival in 2016.

“We have been working in partnership with the owners of Weavers Wharf to transform the western access into the town which will offer a new public space where Crown House currently stands as well as an improved retail offer and new restaurants.

“We do understand that these plans affect some existing retailers and we will continue to work with them to resolve their issues.

“To fulfil the vision for the area, we must inject more pace into this process. This may prompt the Council to use its powers to assemble the necessary land and we are prepared to do that, but we really do hope that the landowners will reach agreement with Henderson over the sale of their land before we need to step in.”

The proposed redevelopment plans by Henderson would see £11m invested into the town during the construction phase in order to create 7,591 sq m of new retail floor space.