RESIDENTS and local businesses in Redditch have been voicing their thoughts on plans to refurbish the town centre and surrounding areas including the Library and Town Hall in Alcester Street, writes Sophie Wheeler.
Proposed plans would see the Town Hall refurbished for office use or converted into 78 residential units – or possibly demolished – with the current service moving to a new ‘public sector hub’ on Church Road by Smallwood Hospital.
Plans would also see the fire and police station merge to create a joint ‘Blue Light hub’ creating more opportunities in Grove Street for retail, residential and leisure developments on the existing sites.
Improvements to the railway station also aim to enhance the first impression visitors get of Redditch as they arrive.
However the number one concern for people is the need for more shops and greater choice.
Local resident Tina Tominski, said: “There is nothing to get anybody to come to the town centre, there are no real big named stores to get people here.”
People also want the town to look more appealing,
Alcester Street newsagent Sivanathan Kumar, said: “It would be a good thing for it to be revamped as it would make it all look much more attractive and welcoming.”
Shoppers are also keen on a new food store after Marks and Spencer’s closes down this week, on April 7.
Julie White, said: “A food court would be good for the town centre now that Marks and Spencer’s is leaving, we need another food outlet.”
Under the plans the library would also be moving to the new ‘public sector hub’ with the current building demolished making way for a new public square of smaller retail units at the entrance of the shopping centre.
However local market trader Susan Freeman voiced concern at this, saying: “The library does bring in a lot of people and creates a steady flow of customers.”
With the library, which now also houses the Job Centre Plus, also expected to move to a ‘public sector hub’ the concern is what, in its absence, would keep the current footfall high.
The plans have yet to go out to public consultation and be finalised.
