A CONTRACTOR has been appointed to begin work on the new Commercial and Cultural Hub which will transform the former market hall site in Bromsgrove town centre.

Kier Construction has been selected to develop the design and undertake works after planning permission was granted for the project.

Designed by ONE Creative environments (ONE), who have a HQ in Worcester, and project managed by Arcadis, the project will see the creation of new spaces in the town centre designed to be multi-use and to increase visitors.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: How the scheme will look once completed How the scheme will look once completed (Image: Bromsgrove District Council)

An open-plan pavilion building providing a multipurpose space to encourage creative exhibitions, markets and community use during the day, evenings and weekends will be constructed as well as a separate commercial building which will offer high-quality office space and the opportunity for new hospitality businesses to move into the town.

The project also includes the opening-up and re-naturalising of the Spadesbourne Brook as well as the introduction of public seating, and landscaping.

Kier Construction will soon begin the process of erecting hoarding around the existing BirdBox structure.

Arcadis Project Manager, Phil Tranter, said: “Arcadis are excited to work with the council and Kier Construction in this exciting development which will act as a catalyst to revitalise the High Street by increasing footfall in the form of people working, socialising or undertaking other leisure activities.”

Head of Planning, Regeneration, and Leisure for Bromsgrove District Council, Ruth Bamford, said: “I am excited to see this project move into the first stage of works in the coming months.

"This project will help to revitalise Bromsgrove town centre; bringing opportunities for new businesses to operate and spaces for people to meet and socialise.”

The first stage of the project, to be completed by Keir Construction, will include works to secure the site, archaeological investigation works, and drainage diversions.

This project is the result of Bromsgrove District Council being awarded £14.5 million of Levelling Up Funds in October 2021 after a successful bid.

The plans for the former market hall site were unveiled to the public as part of the public consultation process in early 2023.

Director of ONE Creative environments, Mark Martin, said: “This is a fantastic project which builds on the positive legacy of The Bird Box.

"We are really looking forward to working with Bromsgrove District Council, Kier Construction, Arcadis and other stakeholders to bring this innovative, sustainable design to life on site.”