IT was crunch time last night for Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfield as Redditch councillors met to rubber-stamp ambitious redevelopment plans, writes Julian Seva.

There will not have been too many stumbling blocks for Thornfield as just one formal objection has been received opposing the plans to create 9,720 sq metres of new retail space.

Included in the plans are a new Debenhams department store and market place.

The Council for the Protection of Rural England objected as it felt some residential space should have been included.

Details for the project were laid out in a lengthy 24-page document for the consideration of councillors on the planning committee.

Development manager for Thornfield, David Carver, said: We're hoping to get demolition work under way by the end of January or the start of February.

We just need to get the market relocated before we begin.

Mr Carver added: During construction there will be some blocking off of Royal Square but shoppers will still have access to all shops so hopefully there won't be too much disruption.

On-site demolition and construction work for the project will be carried out between 8am-6pm during weekdays.

Part of the work will also see the side of Redditch Library and Car Park 2 reclad.

In all, the scheme represents a £30 million inward investment and will create 380 jobs.

Work on demolishing the bus station is also moving forward apace, with much of the old structure now gone.

The new station will be included in a £20 million complex of leisure facilities and shops on the same site.