CONSULTATION on the future regeneration plans for Kidderminster were launched this week and one of the key themes being considered is how the canal can be more effectively used for recreation and commerce.

During recent decades, waterside development sites have become valuable resources. Many towns in the UK would relish the opportunity to have a river or canal and Kidderminster has both.

The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and River Stour offer a varied waterscape but for decades developments have turned their backs onto these valuable spaces.

Now plans are emerging for Kidderminster to capitalise on these assets. Signs of this new approach can be found at the recent Tesco and Morrisons store developments where the River Stour corridor has been opened up to improve the look and feel of the town and its ecological richness.

In recent decades it has become apparent that Kidderminster’s canalside is largely concealed and intimidating for boaters. However, there are a number of development sites in the canal corridor.

One of the most prominent is the Morgan Timber Yard opposite Weavers Wharf and the adjacent woodland between Park Street and Park Lane. Subject to finding satisfactory relocation premises, the timber yard has been earmarked for new homes in the Local Plan since 2004. Now proposals are being developed to bridge the canal and link the area to the bus station and Weavers Wharf - to effectively bring this area in to the town centre.

To the north of the town centre, the area around Churchfields Business Park provides one of the town’s most significant redevelopment opportunities with more than 20 acres at the former Tomkinson and Georgian carpet factory premises and Stoney Lane Industrial Estate.

An extensive canalside frontage in the Churchfields area is largely hidden so the area offers considerable scope to transform the canal environment.

Here there may even be scope for a new ‘Kidderminster Marina’. This area will be looked at more closely next week.

The vision for the town centre sections of the canal seeks to create a vibrant waterside with a mix of uses including food and drink, commercial offices and homes.

It is proposed that the woodland bank adjacent to the timber yard in Park Lane could be transformed in to a new town park to serve new and existing communities and provide a valuable green space for town centre visitors. Plans for major canalside sites together with proposals for the wider Churchfields area and the former British Sugar sites will be on display this Saturday when a roadshow will be taking place in the foyer of the new Morrisons in Green Street.

Officers from Wyre Forest District Council will be on hand to explain the emerging plans.

The Carpet Museum Trust will also have a working loom on display as part of a combined promotion for the new £2.5 million heritage centre proposal.

On Thursday, November 13 the roadshow will be in the Swan Centre with a separate stall on the market.

The initiative will lead to the publication of a brochure to promote Kidderminster and this is expected to be launched in Spring 2009.

If you have any views or comments on the plans, contact the Regeneration and Economic Prosperity team at Wyre Forest District Council by email at regeneration@wyreforestdc.gov.uk