We can do better but time is running out

The need is urgent to preserve the remaining industrial buildings, which give Kidderminster its character, and in so doing to provide those leisure amenities needed to enhance the cultural life of its residents and to attract visitors to the town.

As one national newspaper put it, Kidderminster has become a town "given over to supermarkets and chain stores".

We can do better than this.

At present the town centre lacks a theatre; cinema; small-scale venue for popular music, jazz, blues and classical music; museum and art gallery capable of displaying the artefacts which, for years, have been held in storage on an industrial estate; and a building suitable for the carpet museum.

Despite the wasteful demolition of the fine wool hall on the Brintons site last autumn, there are at least four large industrial buildings available and lying empty.

Yet, to judge by recent statements of civic leaders, two of them - the Piano Building and the former magistrates court - are facing an immediate threat of demolition.

As a matter of urgency the town needs people of resource and leadership to make use of the opportunity.

The four buildings are:

1 Slingfield Mill: This magnificent building perfectly reflects Kidderminster's heritage as the foremost carpet manufacturing town. It is huge and many of the above amenities could be housed within. With a restaurant and bar it could become a dynamic cultural centre rather than just another retail outlet.

2 The old magistrates court building: This fine building in Worcester Street would make an ideal multi-purpose venue.

3 The Piano Building: This is situated in the heart of the redevelopment. With sympathetic and imaginative renovation, its use would be a great asset in attracting visitors to a revitalised waterfront.

4 The Rock Works: The renovation of this building is important because of its site at the end of Park Lane under Carpet Hill, where Kidderminster's carpet industry began in the 18th century. The whole area would be vastly improved if Matalan relocated and its blue shed was demolished. This would open up a much-improved vista of industrial buildings, from Slingfield Mill to Carpet Hill, and would also release space to solve the car parking problem.

We believe that the above is in line with the fine principles contained in the district council's draft town plan.

The town would retain visual interest and be prevented from turning into a soulless shopping centre.

It would be attractive to residents, visitors and investors alike.

Our motto should be "Preserving the best of the past to make a better future".

JOHN COMBE and

NIGEL GILBERT

Town Centre Group

Kidderminster Civic Society