Work to boost Bromsgrove High Street set to start

The first step towards a new and improved High Street for Bromsgrove gets underway in February.

Funded by Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council, the Bromsgrove Regeneration Project aims to improve the vitality and economic prosperity of the town. A big part of the scheme is to re-design the High Street improving access for shoppers and providing a much needed boost for market traders and retailers.

The new-look High Street will cost around £2million and should be completed next year (2013). But the first phase of the work will start next month - subject to approval - which will some trees based in the area between the Housman Statue through to Poundland and along Worcester Road to George House removed as part of preparations. Some of the trees being taken down are deteriorating, some obscure CCTV cameras due to their unsustainable locations and some cause accessibility problems for buildings and shops which potentially detract shoppers to the area.

The new design of the High Street is still being finalised but it is expected that each tree taken out will be replaced with new ones. Extra space, improved surfacing and better access to shops are other key priorities in the design. The layout of the market stalls and lighting in the area, including the seasonal decorations at Christmas, will all be improved too which will ultimately improve the experience for shoppers throughout the year.

Cllr Anthony Blagg, County Councillor for Bromsgrove Central, said: "The regeneration of Bromsgrove High Street will bring so many benefits for the town. It will improve the experience for residents, thus attracting more shoppers into the area which will inevitably provide retailers and market traders with a much needed boost. I am excited by the potential for this project and of the new designs for the High Street and while it will be sad to see these existing trees removed, the new designs will include new trees which means the overall scheme will not only improve the economic prospects of the town, but also ensures that the long-term environmental benefits are felt too."

Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for the town centre, Cllr Del Booth, added: "Residents will know by now that we are going to give the High Street more than simply a better surface. The regeneration partnership is going to take this once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink the layout of our public realm, remove decades of clutter, make the shops more accessible to everyone and further improve the markets. The design is still being considered and will soon be subject to consultation.  In the meantime a number of works required to prepare the ground are set to be carried out, including drainage and tree works, which will all help to build a better Bromsgrove."

The District Council's Planning Committee will be asked to approve the plans to remove the trees when it meets on February 6^th. If given the green light, this preparatory work will take place between February 7^th and March 5^th. All businesses and market traders in the area will be informed and there isn't expected to be any disruption to the street market or shops' opening arrangements.