THE new Coronation Gardens in Oxford Street, Kidderminster town centre, have been opened officially.

Townspeople turned out on Saturday to see the revamped and extended gardens, which feature a colourful psychedelic paving area based on 60s artwork. There is ornamental shrub planting, a turfed area and wildflower meadow areas.

The gardens also retain the public artwork which celebrates the music history of the town.

The project is part of Wyre Forest District Council’s ReWyre initiative. The council has worked with West Mercia Probation Service and other local organisations to transform the gardens, designed by landscape architect Richard Greenway.

He said: “The floorscape has been designed using a variety of influences from 1960s art movements as the theme. These include psychedelic patterns and optical art. There are areas for performances, meeting and crossing the area.

“It has been a great project to work on and brought together many different organisations to create a fantastic new space in Kidderminster.”

Conservative Tracey Onslow, the district council’s cabinet member with responsibility for community wellbeing, said: “It was good to see local people turning out to celebrate the opening of the gardens and feedback is that people are very pleased with the result.

“My thanks go to the Probation Service team, who did much of the hard work and have provided us with a beautiful area to enjoy.

“Many of the materials used in the gardens have been recycled from other parks. The bottles have been donated by the Boars Head, opposite the gardens. The Boars Head Gallery, a new local gallery and art space was also opened on Saturday.”