PLANS to change Redditch Town Hall into a Community Hub have been given the thumbs up by the council’s planning committee.

The current Town Hall is set to be remodelled to include multiple services as well as the borough council and, following a decision by Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet last week – Redditch Library.

Work has already started to transform, the Town Hall as the west wing is currently being refurbished for the NHS to use as a clinical therapy space on the ground floor.

And, services including Citizens Advice and Cranstoun which offers alcohol and drug support have already signed up to set up shop in the hub.

Redditch Advertiser: This is what the entrance extension from Walter Stranz Square could look like.This is what the entrance extension from Walter Stranz Square could look like. (Image: Redditch Borough Council.)

The council chambers are set to relocate to the second floor of the building freeing up space on the lower ground, ground and first floors.

The building will be extended to provide a new entrance and an additional circulation staircase.

Following Worcestershire County Council’s decision to support plans to relocate Redditch Library to the Community Hub, the existing library is set to be demolished.

In its place, it is planned to build a new shopping and leisure plaza designed to improve the connection between the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and the rest of the town centre.

Redditch Advertiser: This is what the entrance extension from Walter Stranz Square and Grove Street could look like.This is what the entrance extension from Walter Stranz Square and Grove Street could look like. (Image: Redditch Borough Council.)

Welcoming the county council’s support, Redditch Business Improvement District (BID) manager Muj Rahman said: “The county council's decision can be seen as a positive step in promoting community engagement and accessibility to various services.

“By consolidating different organisations within a central location, the hub can provide a convenient and multifunctional space for community members to access a range of resources, including library services.

“This approach fosters collaboration and synergy among different organisations, potentially leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness in delivering services to the public.”