What if we could build Kidderminster from scratch?

12:59pm Wednesday 16th April 2008

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IF you could build Kidderminster from scratch, what would you keep and why?

This is one of the questions being asked as part of the development of a new vision for the town to be promoted to regional agencies.

NEXT WEEK: LOOKING AT KIDDERMINSTER'S IMAGE

The hope is that by expressing a vision for Kidderminster - shared and endorsed by the people who live and work there - the town could attract support from people and organisations who don't already know the area.

This follows the success of award-winning plans for regenerating Stourport and Bewdley which have benefited from support from agencies across the West Midlands and beyond.

During the spring and summer of 2008, local people are being asked to contribute to the plans for Kidderminster which will be developed and promoted in a brochure to be considered by organisations such as Advantage West Midlands.

Initiatives for regeneration and economic development in Kidderminster are now gathering pace.

Last month a Town Centre Manager was appointed to co-ordinate the work of the Town Centre Partnership.

Major proposals are set to be unveiled for the Horsefair where a possible by-pass for the heavily congested part of Blackwell Street is to be investigated as one of the options for plans to be drawn up for the former Tomkinsons factory in Clensmore Street.

Development of the former British Sugar site has moved a step closer following extensive demolition.

Talks are underway to see if the last remaining structures - the two iconic' silos - could be temporarily used as a backdrop for public art.

Plans for a new road to relieve congestion on the Stourport Road and link the British Sugar site with Hoo Brook also look set to be investigated.

Road improvements will be considered alongside improvements for pedestrian, bus, bicycle and rail travellers.

Network Rail is currently improving access at Kidderminster Railway Station and there are radical plans for a new station building following a surge in passenger numbers as increasingly Kidderminster is seen as a gateway to Birmingham and the Black Country.

There are exciting proposals for a new carpet museum in the town centre adjoining a new Morrisons store. Comberton Hill's traffic island is also set for a makeover.

These are just some of the developments that are likely to be included in the new brochure. The aim is to showcase projects, businesses and organisations that will have a key role to play in transforming the town.

It is already clear this will represent a multi-million pound investment programme involving private sector business together with the public sector. Representatives from regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands, recently toured the town to see the development opportunity for themselves.

Over the next six weeks through this feature series we will be highlighting what might be included in the brochure starting next week with a look at Kidderminster's image and its gateways.

These are exciting times for Kidderminster be part of it!