Vision of future for Stourport (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Vision of future for Stourport

8:00am Thursday 9th February 2012 in News By William Tomaney

STOURPORT’S ‘hidden jewel’ will take centre stage in a £7 million redevelopment scheme in the heart of the town.

James Brindley Wharf, named after the 18th century engineer who brought the canal to the town, will be created on the former Lloyd’s Garage site as a gateway from Bridge Street to the historic basins.

Stage four of a five-piece jigsaw to transform the waterfront area will open up the basins behind York Street and Bridge Street as well as bringing 40,000 sq ft of new commercial and residential opportunities to Stourport.

The project is being spearheaded by Kidderminster’s Clive Fletcher Developments and Stourport’s Thomas Vale Construction, with the housing and retail elements marketed by Walton and Hipkiss of Stourbridge, and Wright Silverwood of Birmingham.

It will include a curved building, drawing visitors from Bridge Street to the waterfront, 20 apartments and town houses and food and retail outlets.

Talks are well advanced with national retailers to bring new restaurants, cafes and shops to the town.

Alan Knight, head of commercial for Walton and Hipkiss, said: “It is unlocking one of Stourport’s hidden jewels because we are opening up the basin to people who visit the town.

“A lot of people drive through Stourport and don’t know there is a basin there and don’t see the locks.

“We know water makes a town better and we have a massive facility here which we should make good use of for visitors and residents and give them a better selection of quality places to eat, live and sit by the canal and have a coffee.”

The planning application is expected to be made in April. It is hoped building will begin in the autumn and be completed in 18 months.

The gateway will replace Lloyds Garage and the former hair salon – currently used as a temporary heritage room – on Engine Lane.

According to Mr Knight, developers are in discussions with neighbouring businesses including Ye Olde Crown Inn on ways to enhance the scheme and its neighbouring properties.

The proposal, known as STC 4, is part of Wyre Forest District Council’s ReWyre regeneration initiative in the basins owned by British Waterways.

The first phase was the Barratt’s Homes development at Waters Edge.

The transformation of the former Carpets of Worth site, which will see Tesco open off Severn Road, is the second phase.

The third is a planned housing development at the former vinegar works site at Cheapside.

The final piece of the jigsaw will be STC 5 next to the new James Brindley Wharf on Bridge Street.

Mr Knight added: “We are very excited because it is something that is actually going to happen. A lot of these things are talked about for years and nothing happens – this will happen.

“Everybody is supporting this and pushing it forward. It is good for British Waterways, good for Wyre Forest and good for Stourport.”