Kidderminster: Work on new park starts after old shops bulldozed

Old shops on Worcester Street were previously bulldozed as part of the new plans to transform the town centre.

Shropshire based building and civil engineering contractors McPhillips (Wellington) Limited is starting work to deliver Wyre Forest District Council’s Connectivity Project, which will completely change the look and feel of Worcester Street and the surrounding public spaces.

The Worcester Street connectivity scheme involves creating a wide and well-spaced set of steps with an accessible pathway leading from Worcester Street up to Bromsgrove Street.

CGI aerial view of Worcester Streets steps leading up to Bromsgrove Street (Image: NWedR/ Ares Landscape Architects)

This completely new open green space will include a children’s play area and seating along the winding pathway to enable people to meet there and stay a while in this space.

This project is being funded through the government’s Future High Street Fund.

The former Woolworths site, which was closed in 2008, was demolished along with other shops including the old Megavalue, Poundland, and Sigma Aquatics.

Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, planning and the green agenda said: “It’s great to see work is starting on site to realise this part of the Council’s adopted vision for Kidderminster. Although this project covers a relatively small area, its impact will be massive for the whole of this area of town.

“As well as connecting the town centre to Bromsgrove Street, a key aspect of this scheme is that it connects this area of town with the next phase of regeneration which is on the former Forest Glades site.  There is a feasibility study taking place now to help us determine the most appropriate use for this site, both now and for the future.

Paul Inions, managing director McPhillips (Wellington) Limited, councillor Dan Morehead, councillor Marcus Hart Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, and Stuart MacKenzie, contract director McPhillips (Wellington) Limited (Image: Wyre Forest District Council)

McPhillips (Wellington) Limited contract Director Stuart MacKenzie added: “We’re very excited to be able to play such an integral role in this “once in a lifetime” transformational project. The scheme will transform this part of Kidderminster, making it more accessible and attracting more residents, more workers, and more visitors to the town centre”. 

The main body of work will be completed by the end of this year with green landscaping to follow in Spring 2025.