Transformation of market hall site includes cinema (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)
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Transformation of market hall site includes cinema
12:48pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News
By Sam Greenway
Transformation: Artists impressions have been released showing how Bromsgrove's former market hall site could be transformed. Ref:s
DETAILS about the potential multi-million pound transformation of Bromsgrove’s former market hall site - including the building of a five-screen cinema - have been revealed.
A month ago the Advertiser reported the council had selected a preferred bidder for the 1.78 acre site between Hanover Street, St John Street, and Market Place.
It has been announced a detailed planning application is to be submitted in January featuring the cinema, as well as high quality retail and restaurant units.
There are also ambitious plans to redirect and open up the Spadesbourne Brook, which runs through the site, making a feature of it around the boundary.
Artists impressions have been released showing how the site could look. The images show George House replaced with a futuristic building above the retail units.
The council say discussions are advanced with the potential lead tenant, but deals with them and the other firms involved are being kept under wraps until everything is finalised.
Although the lead bidder’s name is yet to be revealed, the council has hinted at negotiations with a national food store.
Opus Land has been chosen to develop the site, which includes the George House building and St John Street car park that was extended over where the market hall once stood in 2010.
The council say the work to transform the site is expected to be completed by spring 2014.
Bromsgrove District Council leader Roger Hollingworth said: “This marks a massive step in the right direction of our plans to create a better Bromsgrove.
“While demolishing the market hall caused controversy, I hope everyone can now see the bigger picture.
“Not only will new retail and leisure development be a much needed facility in Bromsgrove, the rest of the district will benefit from this investment and the jobs it will create.”
Gareth Williams, development director of Opus Land, said: “This is a sensitive but excellent site in the town centre.
“We intend to develop a scheme that will enhance the retail and leisure offer by creating something of quality benefiting this historic market town.”
Comments(3)
G Joffers
says...
1:03pm Fri 19 Oct 12
It's not really possible to have a ye olde cinema though, it would only be 'twee'.
The ye olde aspect is covered by the heritage thing. That should ensure the existing old buildings and their surroundings will be repaired and look nice. It shoudn't have any real impact on new development as that's not what it's for.
However as it's in a formal conservation area, planners will have to insist that the developer makes it of sufficient quality to enhance the area.
At the same time, as it's a major thing on the end of the High Street it ought to be visually strong, I think that's basic town planning.
A hundred years ago it'd probably be built in imposing brick or stone but that was when we had all the money in the world. It's not the same these days and now they use glass, soft light, etc. No-one could afford to use those old school materials for normal new builds today.
That it will be in a modern style is for definite and these photos seem to indicate they way it will go (will be interesting to see the actual planing app in January!). But modern's not necessarily a bad thing. It can be done well.
Iain Leav
says...
1:44pm Wed 14 Nov 12
I was more surprised to see the Market Street car park is also to be sold off to these developers.
While this at least explains how so many business' will be able to fit onto the plot however I do wonder where they will expect people to park in order to visit this new multiplex - or are we going to be looking at a five story car park on top of this building as well?
jann says...
12:00pm Thu 18 Oct 12