Kidderminster and Wyre Forest are on the move and looking to the future with increased confidence.

Wyre Forest District Council is driving forward Kidderminster's economic development and regeneration strategy to bring about sustainable economic growth and development to the area.

It will increase skill levels and sustainable economic benefit, to raise average household incomes and generate growth; attract and increase modern and high-growth businesses and create well-paid and high-quality job opportunities.

A major element of this is the expanded town centre plus the redevelopment opportunities specifically in Worcester Street and on the Stourport Road, but also in other key employment areas.

The council recognises the importance of increasing the amount of income spent locally in order to create and maintain a successful and vibrant economy and increase employment.

The canalside Piano Building, which is undergoing restoration and extension, is the fifth and final phase of the Weavers Wharf redevelopment. These opportunities, together with the mixed commercial, residential and leisure proposals for the Worcester Street "gateway", are attracting interest from potential investors and occupiers alike.

Key to the strategy's success is to target high-growth manufacturing and service sector companies to the town and in particular to opportunities within the Stourport Road employment corridor.

Kidderminster has many businesses including quality carpet manufacturers as well as manufacturers of ocean going boats, defence equipment, a national construction company, computer service companies and major engineering companies. More high value added producers and companies from the service sector are being encouraged.

The district council and other agencies are working for the regeneration of the town's former sugar beet processing plant.

The Brintons sports field offers immediate and excellent opportunity for businesses to develop new industrial and/or office accommodation. Development of the brand new industrial estate at Foley Business Park is under way.

The former Folkes site, currently the subject of a planning application, has the potential to provide significant employment opportunities.

Public sector support has been the catalyst for much of the private sector investment in Kidderminster, and the council is applying the same strategy in Stourport. The town will receive up to £500,000 through the Market Towns Initiative plus other funding.

A series of projects are planned to improve and promote the town centre.

British Waterways have started a three-year plan to upgrade the town's historic canal basins using a £1.75 million grant from the Heritage Lottery. There is a waterside housing development at the former Lichfield Basin.

Upgrading the Severnside area and other improvements will make the most of Bewdley's location. Support from the Market Towns Initiative is ending but it is included within the Regional Development Agency's Rural Regeneration Zone fund.

Company

Wyre Forest District Council

Business Type

Local Authority

Telephone

01562 732928

Web Address

www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk

Email Address

communications@wyreforsetdc.gov.uk

Location

Civic Centre,

Stourport,

Worcs DY13 8UJ