AN additional £1million has been allocated to bring forward plans for improvements to Redditch’s railway station.
The cash, funneled through Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, is part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ‘New Deal’ style response to the economic impact of the Covid-19 lockdown.
The money, from the ‘Getting Building Fund’ is designed to support ‘shovel ready’ projects to progress in the next 18 months and kick-start the economy.
Imrpovements to the railway station are seen as the first phase of ambitious plans to re-model Redditch town centre and news of the funding has been welcomed by the town’s MP Rachel Maclean
“Our long-held vision to unlock the potential of Redditch takes another step forward with this important funding announcement,” she said.
“As a team we are always pushing for more for Redditch and I’m delighted this bid was successful.”
The Redditch Rail Quarter and Interchange is one of five schemes in ambitious plans to reinvent Redditch as a vibrant town centre.
The railway station is an important gateway into the town however it currently gives a poor impression for anyone arriving by train.
The vision is for it to be significantly upgraded and regenerated with new investment in the station building and car park to complement the comprehensive re-development of the land opposite and to improve connections with the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
Councillor Matt Dormer, Leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “This funding will be used to help bring forward a technical and detailed business case to underpin the development, which also includes working in partnership to build an additional 50 housing units in the area, boosting economic growth in our town centre and driving regeneration.”
Rachel Maclean added: “Following Covid-19 it is important we recharge the Redditch economy and that means getting money into local infrastructure projects that are ambitious but credible.”
