KIDDERMINSTER town centre is set to receive a £17.9 million boost after a successful bid for cash from the levelling up fund.

The funding, which will support projects at the town hall, piano building and canal towpath, was revealed as part of Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's autumn budget.

Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said: "This week’s budget has brought good news across the country. And we have seen our fair share here in Wyre Forest.

"A recent bid for the levelling up fund, submitted by Wyre Forest District Council, but with the caveat that it has full support from me as the local MP, has been successful in securing up to £17.9 million for works in Kidderminster’s town centre, including fabulous modifications to the Town Hall. "This is good news for our district’s main town.

"After all, the more appealing the town centre is, the more it attracts people and activity."

The regeneration proposal submitted in July by North Worcestershire Economic Development Regeneration, on behalf of Wyre Forest District Council, will see a further £17.9m invested into three key projects in Kidderminster Town Centre.

The first project is to refurbish Kidderminster Town Hall in partnership with Kidderminster Town Council. The Town Hall is a key town centre heritage asset, a cultural space and events venue.

The second project is to bring back into use an empty listed heritage building in the heart of town, and thirdly to create a new walking and cycle pathway along the canal towpath in partnership with Worcestershire County Council - linking the heritage and natural assets with Kidderminster town centre.

This investment will complement high priority projects already underway in Kidderminster. The town successfully secured £20.5m of grant funding through the Future High Streets Fund – awarded in December 2020.

Councillor Helen Dyke, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be awarded this funding which will transform Kidderminster Town Hall and the Piano Building for the benefit of future generations. It will also improve connections around the centre of town and make it more accessible for all.”

Councillor David Ross, Leader of Kidderminster Town Council said: "We are delighted to have worked with the District Council on this proposal. It will result in a fantastic new Town Hall for our community.”