Work on new-look Bromsgrove High Street could begin this autumn (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Work on new-look Bromsgrove High Street could begin this autumn

4:40pm Wednesday 11th July 2012 in Local

THE £2 million regeneration of Bromsgrove town centre has moved a step closer after the council’s cabinet approved a new design for the High Street.

At the last meeting of the council’s cabinet, held on July 4, final designs for the new-look High Street were rubber-stamped. Work, including resurfacing, is now expected to begin this autumn.

An image of the redesigned High Street has been released, which shows a new square, around the Housman statue.

The designs went through public consultation earlier this year and with approval given, the Bromsgrove Town Centre Regeneration Partnership project can enter the construction phase.

During the meeting Bromsgrove District Council leader Roger Hollingworth outlined the works that members of the partnership; Worcestershire County Council and Bromsgrove District Council, are planning to do.

It will begin this month with the digging of a number of test pits, in places picked as relatively unobtrusive, so that engineers can plan out the work.

The project is being funded through the £500,000 sale of Sherwood Road industrial units, £500,000 from the county council and £500,000 from negotiated section 106 contributions from Sainsbury’s and West Mercia Police.

A further £500,000 will come from other section 106 monies, which will be contributed from future developments within Bromsgrove.

Coun Hollingworth said: “This is a key milestone and it comes after taking on board some great feedback from residents during the consultation.

"Obviously this is a partnership project and relies on many agencies, but we would expect work to begin this autumn.

“It will be intensive and residents should be advised some disruption is inevitable, but we are planning a break in works over the crucial Christmas shopping period to look after our town centre traders and shoppers.

"A lot of preparation has already been done - now the redevelopment can truly get going.”

County councillor Anthony Blagg, whose Bromsgrove Central ward includes High Street, said: "This is great news for residents and businesses.

“Everyone is working towards helping Bromsgrove stay open for business during the improvements.

“We hope the results of the redesign will help the town flourish in the future."