CINEMA developers have been asked to come up with a multiplex plan for the former magistrates court building in Kidderminster town centre.

The scheme would see six or seven screens at the former Worcester Street court building, which is owned by Wyre Forest District Council.

Developers have been handed a "design brief" from the council which requires a cinema as part of a wider redevelopment of the street.

It is likely the cinema would be gutted inside but developers have been urged to come up with a design that retains as much of the original frontage as possible.

The news could see two cinemas operating in the town within the next two years. The four-screen Warehouse Cinema opened in Green Street on Friday.

Members also want to see housing and shops incorporated into the development, said cabinet member for finance, John Campion.

He said: "We want a design that will be an asset to the town and not just a plain, faceless building. We are looking for something to add to the character of Kidderminster."

He added the cinema was vital, as Worcester Street was close to Comberton Hill, which was a "gateway into Kidderminster".

Mr Campion went on: "We have had enough interest in the site from outside partners that we will see an excellent development there within the next couple of years."

Cinema operators felt there "was a place for a mainstream, large multiplex" development, he said.

A decision over which developer to use for the scheme would, hopefully, be made by the summer, he added.

"I would like to see work start towards the end of this year, if everything goes to plan," Mr Campion said.

It is the first major step forward for the council's drive to bring a multiplex cinema to Kidderminster since the Piano Building controversy of 2003.

The 19th century Piano Building, at Weavers Wharf, was due to be demolished to make way for a multiplex development but was listed at the 11th hour at the request of Kidderminster Civic Society.

A Shuttle/Times and News poll saw 2,859 votes cast, with 87 per cent urging the building be knocked down to make way for a cinema.