Two superstores for 'cinema' site

Any lingering hopes the empty site would house a cinema have now been scuppered.

Owners B and Q applied before Christmas to split the site into five retail units of varying sizes, all for so-called bulky goods, as a "fallback" in case the company's favoured scheme for a cinema, restaurant and Big W superstore foundered. two giant superstores are heading for this site on Kidderminster's Crossley Retail Park.

The company's foresight has now paid off, as the cinema scheme bit the dust in February when Government planners announced they were calling it in for a public inquiry because it was at odds with the district's Local Plan.

B and Q spokeswoman Suzanne Clay said: "The fallback application was there if the cinema scheme failed."

There was no chance of a cinema being incorporated into the latest project because it was not commercially viable, she added.

The scheme was given the go-ahead in January by Wyre Forest District Council under delegated planning powers.

A spokesman for PC World - part of the Dixons group - confirmed yesterday the company was opening in the unit next to MFI.

"The projected opening time is early August and we will be creating about 40 jobs, a mixture of part and full-time positions. We are very excited at the prospect of opening here."

The Range is a DIY and garden centre company, which is predominantly based in the south of England. It will open in the large unit behind Sainsbury's.

"These quality lettings at Crossley Retail Park, together with the redevelopment of Weavers Wharf, will in our view do much to attract shoppers to Kidderminster," added Ms Clay.

District council deputy leader and county councillor for the town centre, Councillor Howard Martin, said he was delighted yet more big-name companies were investing in the town.

"It's a further indication that major retailers are committed to the area," he said.