PLANS to regenerate Kidderminster have taken a step forward with the appointment of consultants to transform Worcester Street.

Over the next two years, shops will be demolished on Worcester Street including the former Woolworths building and the Mega Value store.

McBains Limited, a multi-disciplinary property and construction company has been appointed to deliver the project, along with supply chain partners Ares Landscape Architects and Link Engineering.

Councillor Helen Dyke, leader of Wyre Forest District Council and cabinet member for economic regeneration, planning and localism said: “We welcome the appointment of McBains to provide another piece of the wider jigsaw puzzle to deliver the vision for Kidderminster 2040.

“The regeneration of Worcester Street is a much-anticipated project and for those of us who have lived in the town for a long time – it marks a huge step forward. 

 “Over the next two years, we will see significant changes including the demolition of shops including the old Woolworths building and the Mega Value store and the complete re-design of the “step entry”. 

 “The plan is to connect this area of the town to where the Glades Leisure Centre used to be, and to the area adjacent to the Former Magistrates Court - soon to be transformed into a new Creative Hub - in an attractive and accessible way.”

This project is being funded through the Government’s Future High Street Fund and is being progressed by NWedR on behalf of Wyre Forest District Council.

 Ana Martins, director at McBains said: “We’re incredibly excited to be able to play such an integral role in these transformational projects.

“The schemes are set to breathe new life into Kidderminster, attracting more residents, more workers and more visitors to the town centre”.  

All regeneration work funded through the Future High Streets fund is set to be delivered by March 2024.