Regenerating Kidderminster
A safe, vibrant and clean place to live, work and visit.
Cllr Marcus Hart
Leader of Wyre Forest District Council
This brochure sets out the details of the £45m investment in the Kidderminster town centre, which is supporting the most comprehensive town centre regeneration programme in decades.
Economic regeneration is one of the three top priorities for the council, reflected in the newly adopted Corporate Plan 2023-2027, and the Kidderminster 2040 Vision.
Our immediate priority is to deliver the major projects shown in this brochure, but we are taking a long-term approach to economic growth and regeneration. This is why we have commissioned feasibility studies to unlock the next phase of brownfield sites to deliver more homes, jobs and green spaces and make the district more sustainable economically, socially and environmentally.
Cllr Dan Morehead
Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda at Wyre Forest District Council
Over the past few years town centres up and down the country have been affected by significant changes in consumer behaviour, a restructuring of the retail sector and the effects of the Covid pandemic.
Kidderminster town centre has not been immune to these challenges and this brochure sets out what the council is doing to address them.
The projects detailed in this brochure will enable the re-purposing and transformation of key town centre assets into mini-destinations providing more attractive places to work, live, play and spend leisure time.
They will increase high street footfall, generate more business and attract further investment.
Cllr David Ross
Cabinet Member for Finance and the Capital Portfolio Fund at Wyre Forest District Council
Delivering major capital projects during a period of market volatility, increased construction costs and overstretched supply chains is a significant challenge.
This is why the council has committed additional funding to ensure that these projects get completed and deliver the benefits and outcomes, which were envisaged from the start.
In addition to delivering regeneration objectives, these projects will make a commercial contribution to the council, generating revenue funding that will support the delivery of services that local communities value.
Kidderminster 2040 vision
- By 2040 Kidderminster will be known as a purposeful, forward-thinking town centre.
- A sustainable place that celebrates its heritage and natural environment.
- An independent place that attracts entrepreneurs and creative thinking.
- A social place enlivened by its town centre living, public spaces, café culture and evening economy.
- An inclusive place that cares about health, welfare and education of current and future generations.
- A friendly place that understands how to relax and enjoy life.
Kidderminster Town Centre Vision diagram - accessible alternative
4 ring circular diagram with Kidderminster Town Centre Vision in centre. Second and third circles dived into 3 sections. Section 1 of second and third circles: People - Social, liveable, entrepreneurial. Section 2: Place - Distinctive, diverse, welcoming. Section 3: Purpose - Healthy, sustainable, ethical.
All surrounded by final circle with process and inclusive repeating.
Kidderminster town centre – a new destination
The overall purpose of the projects detailed in this brochure is to strengthen the viability and vitality of the Kidderminster town centre through the provision of new employment, commercial, cultural, leisure and entertainment uses and community infrastructure, which will increase high street footfall and act as a catalyst for future investment.
The projects will deliver a series of inter-linked mini-destinations within the town centre, encouraging the flow of people between these landmark buildings, offering a wide range of new interactive experiences and unlocking brownfield sites for future residential, commercial and public realm developments.
The delivery of these projects is under way and funded through an unprecedented £45m investment package, of which £38.4m is from the government’s Future High Streets Fund and the Levelling Up Fund, and the remainder from the Wyre Forest District Council and Kidderminster Town Council.
£45m investment
The investment aims to provide a range of outputs.
- Flexible workspaces
- Creative industries
- Business and enterprise support
- Arts, culture and entertainment
- Food and beverage uses
- Green public realm
- Community infrastructure
Delivery timescale
The delivery of a number of projects have now been completed across Kidderminster.
- The Old Court – completed: January 2025
- The Weaving Sheds - completed: summer 2025
- Piano Building – completed: October 2025
- Town Hall – to be completed: autumn 2025
- Worcester Street Connectivity – to be completed: winter 2025
Information on the current position of each project can be found below.
Completed: January 2025
The Old Court
This project has seen the refurbishment and re-purposing of the Grade II listed former Magistrates Court into a creative hub providing:
- Flexible workspace for businesses in the creative industries sector
- Creative Lab
- 3D printers
- Meeting Rooms
- Conference space
- Multi-purpose events space
To find out more about the project, visit The Old Court page.
For information about availability of office and event space at The Old Court, visit Wyre Forest Space.
Completed: Summer 2025
The Weaving Sheds
An exciting new event space in the heart of Kidderminster, The Weaving Sheds is part of the stunning renovation of The Old Court. Blending industrial heritage with modern design, The Weaving Sheds’ large, covered area offers flexible space to provide the perfect setting for community events, food festivals and outdoor entertainment.
The Weaving Sheds officially opened with it's first event in October 2025, hosting Kidderminster BID's Oktober Festival, hosting around 3,000 local residents and visitors over the course of the day. Photos can be seen below, which are courtesy of Kidderminster BID.
To find out more about the project, visit The Old Court page.
To find out more about event space at The Weaving Sheds, visit Wyre Forest Space.
Completed: October 2025
Piano Building
The refurbishment of the Piano Building has seen the Grade II listed former wool warehouse and education centre turned into 29,000sq. ft of high-quality commercial space. This newly upgraded landmark is ready to welcome new tenants and visitors alike. Facilities now include:
- Unique, modern and flexible office spaces with beautiful oak floors, large windows, and characterful industrial features.
- Three new high-quality food and beverage units, giving local people and visitors a great new place to meet, eat and enjoy time in the town centre
- A brand-new entrance lobby and attractive landscaping have given the building a fresh new look, enhancing its charm and making it even more inviting for both professionals and the public.
To find out more about the project, visit the Piano Building page.
To find out more about office and event space at Piano Building, visit Wyre Forest Space.
Photo credits: Speller Metcalfe
To be completed: Autumn 2025
Kidderminster Town Hall
This project will transform the grade II listed town hall into a centre for arts, culture, entertainment and education, including the provision of a state-of-the-art Music Room (450 seats) and installation of a glazed roof over the courtyard to create space for a new foyer and The Courtyard Restaurant and Bar.
To find out more, visit our Kidderminster Town Hall page.
To be completed: Winter 2025
Worcester Street Connectivity
The Connectivity Project, which replaces the Step Entry, will link the town centre with a future residential development on the Lion Fields site providing a green, safe and accessible pedestrian route to the town centre for the new residents. The project will also deliver a new playground.
To find out more, visit our Worcester Street Connectivity page.
Future development site
Lion Fields redevelopment
Lion Fields is a key regeneration opportunity in the heart of Kidderminster, set to transform underused land into a vibrant urban neighbourhood.
A masterplan proposes around 150 new homes, including townhouses and apartment, across the former Glades Leisure Centre, Bromsgrove Street car park, and Worcester Street sites.
The Council aims to appoint a development partner by mid-2026, work on the planning application will then begin. Subject to approval, construction is expected to begin a few months later.
To find out more, visit our Lion Fields page.
Project pipeline - future development sites
- Lion Fields redevelopment
- Former Crown House site
- Market Street site
Diagram text
Feasibility study > Concept designs to RIBA stage 2 > Financial viability > Soft market testing > Delivery models > Funding >
Contact details
Ostap Paparega, Deputy Chief Executive: Regeneration and Commercial
ostap.paparega@wyreforestdc.org.uk
Jane Doyle, Communications and Engagement Officer jane.doyle@wyreforestdc.gov.uk
