Economic development and regeneration
Piano building
About the project
The council's purchase of the historic Piano Building, which was built as a wool warehouse by Brintons in 1867, has been funded through the Government £17.9 million Levelling Up Fund grant for Kidderminster. The purchase of the building and adjacent bus station was agreed in February 2024.
The site was previously home to Birmingham Metropolitan College's Kidderminster Academy, which closed in 2019.
Following a procurement process it is set to be transformed into a modern mixed-use facility including co-working and hybrid working spaces, entertainment space, and restaurants on the ground floor.
Local contractor Speller Metcalfe begun work on the project 5 September 2024.
The Piano Building will be ready to occupy from the Summer 2025. Enquiries about office or commercial space should go to property@wyreforestdc.gov.uk
Artists impressions
Update: planning permission given
The video shows Councillor Marcus Hart (Leader of Wyre Forest District Council) and William Hamilton (Head of Design at Speller Metcalfe) talking about the plans to repurpose the Piano Building for mixed commercial use after planning permission was given on 17 September 2024.
Commentary by Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council:
Well, it's great to be here on the first floor of the Piano Building. This is going to be an exciting project where over the next few months, we're going to see this building transformed.
This has been purchased by funding from the Levelling Up Fund from the Government, by Wyre Forest District Council, as the next step in the jigsaw to wanting to regenerate this area of Kidderminster.
Obviously, the Piano Building is a Grade II listed building, and obviously we want to make sure that the work is done properly and subject to planning consent and obviously regenerate the listed building and bring back the heritage back into this part of Kidderminster.
Commentary by William Hamilton, Head of Design at Speller Metcalfe:
Our works here at the Piano Building will consist of repairs and refurbishment to the existing facade, and then internally we’ll be removing and replacing all of the ventilation and electrical systems and generally refurbishing all of the spaces to create open plan offices and entertainment spaces.
We'll be carrying out external landscaping works to improve the entrance, and also improve the approach to the building.
For future tenants the building will provide a industrial look and feel with exposed brickwork and structure, showcasing traditional and modern methods of construction. This will allow the tenants to be part of one of the historic buildings at Kidderminster Town Centre.
The building is in a fabulous location with great proximity to local facilities such as the local shopping centre and bus transport.
The building will benefit from brilliant external views from lower and upper levels, with great views over the adjacent canal.