KIDDERMINSTER Town Hall is set to close for 18 months whilst an ambitious £8.6m revamp is carried out.

The town centre venue is set to be transformed into a hub for the arts, with plans to redevelop the courtyard and upgrade the music room, the Corn Exchange and King Charles room. 

The courtyard will become a covered meeting space open throughout the week, featuring a café and bar with a performance area, seating and an outside roof garden. 

Facilities are set to be improved behind the scenes for promoters and performers, with a new rear, secure loading bay, changing space and green rooms. 

The plans were drawn up following a public consultation held earlier this year and have now been approved by Wyre Forest District Council. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: An artist's impression of the new-look Kidderminster Town Hall. Photo: Kidderminster Town CouncilAn artist's impression of the new-look Kidderminster Town Hall. Photo: Kidderminster Town Council (Image: Kidderminster Town Council)

Work on the site is due to start early in 2023 and be complete in the summer of 2024, with a programme of events starting that September. 

Councillor David Ross, leader of Kidderminster Town Council said: “We are delighted that WFDC Planning Authority shares our enthusiasm for this transformational scheme to support the regeneration of the town centre and we now look forward to work starting on site early in 2023.”

Lee Jakeman, Kidderminster Town Council chief executive said: “With the approval of the planning application we are now in a position to set in motion the works that will modernise the town hall. 

"The town hall will close as both an administrative home to the town council and an entertainment venue shortly before Christmas 2022 for a period of around 18 months to allow contractors to turn the plans into a reality."

Wyre Forest District Council acted as the local authority through which Kidderminster Town Council won £7.8m Levelling Up Funding towards the £8.6m refurb scheme.