MAJOR work to transform the old magistrates' court into a creative hub has been hit with delays due to areas of the building being unsafe.

The multi-million-pound works will see the old Worcester Street court in Kidderminster redeveloped into a hub offering "multi-functional arts and cultural development space, as well as "co-working and research space"

The project was slated to be completed by March 2024, however, North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWedR) has said areas of the Grade II listed building were "not safe" and needed complete replacement, resulting in delays.

Work is now expected to be finished in December this year.

The whole site has remained vacant since the early 2000s when the new court was built near Kidderminster Railway Station.

Ostap Paparega, head of NWedR on behalf of Wyre Forest District Council said: “The transformation of the Creative Hub in the centre of town - formerly the Magistrates Court – is continuing at pace with works progressing across multiple sections of the site.

"It is a complex project because of the condition of the building, as several areas in the building were not safe and needed a complete replacement or additional structural work while maintaining the character of the building and protecting its architectural features.

"The building is Grade II listed, so additional care is required to ensure the preservation and reinstatement of elements considered of heritage merit.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank our contractor BAM for their commitment to completing the work as expediently as possible.

"The revised project completion date is December 2024, which has been approved by the government".

Worcester News: An artist's impression of the front of the former magistrates' court after the redevelopment An artist's impression of the front of the former magistrates' court after the redevelopment (Image: NWedR)

A year ago, NWedR revealed that due to a national rise in building and construction costs, original plans were modified to "bring the project into budget".

The original plan to construct a new office block within the old part of the building was shelved, with a provision to return to the plan at a later date.

The project is funded through the government’s Future High Streets Fund.