AS plans to turn Redditch Town Hall into a community hub move forward, more details have been released about what the transformation will look like.

Over the festive period, residents will be able to ‘virtually’ walk through the new plaza using a VR information station which will be set up in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.

Images of the new plaza show space for bars, restaurants, cafes, and a central water feature which is hoped to bring people outside of the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.

Council leader Matt Dormer said: “This development is not a political one, it has been led by the board, but it is the council which has helped to push these plans forward because we believe they will unlock the full potential of Redditch.

“We want to create a bigger town centre which will attract more people not only in the day but to boost our night-time economy.”

Redditch Advertiser: Aerial view of the new plaza.Aerial view of the new plaza. (Image: Redditch Borough Council.)

The plaza, which will cost around £4m, forms part of the Town Investment Plan (TIP) which secured a £15.6m grant from the government’s Towns Funds in 2021.

Led by the Redditch Town’s Deal Board, made up of businesses, residents, and town representatives, including the borough and county councils, the TIP also includes the development of a new digital manufacturing and innovation centre and public realm improvements.

Cllr Dormer added: “The funds we have successfully secured can only be used for the initiatives set out in the Towns Fund bids. 

“These funds must be spent by the end of March 2026 which is why we have focussed on this area to redevelop as other areas in the town are privately owned.

Redditch Advertiser: The plaza will include space for bars, cafes and restaurants.The plaza will include space for bars, cafes and restaurants. (Image: Redditch Borough Council.)

“As well as the town plaza and community hub the digital innovation centre will not only attract new business to the area, it will mean our children can find employment and opportunities in their home town.

“If we don’t embrace the ‘new’ then we are set to become an ‘old town.”

Board chair Leigh Walton, who is also a local resident, said: “This is just the start, but all these moves will go towards us completing the bigger picture to regenerate Redditch.

“I have lived in Redditch for over 60 years and am proud to have been a part of the hard work which went into bidding for the Government funds which will enable this ambitious vision to become a reality.

“Progress means change, which is a difficult process, but things can’t stay the same and the TIP will see the borough of which I am proud to be a part of, flourish and provide jobs and opportunities for its residents.”

Next week, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust will start relocating some of their community mental health and children’s services into the Town Hall premises, occupying parts of the ground and first floor.

The ground floor council chamber and Civic Suite will move to the second floor to allow more space for partner agencies.

Following consultation, if Worcestershire County Council decides to relocate the library to the Town Hall it will be located on three floors of the building.