RADICAL proposals which could see the town hall and library torn down to make way for housing or office blocks have been mooted - in an attempt to make Redditch "vibrant".

The ambitious proposals, part of a regeneration plan to update the tired and dated town centre, were recently discussed and endorsed by councillors at a meeting last week.

The concept plan also sets out a vision to create defined quarters such as a cultural/leisure/residential area around Alcester Street, and a retail hub.

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Members agreed to allocate £50,000 to support the proposals in the plan and include an initial £150,000 budget to write up a full business case.

Proposals could include moving the council house to the former hospital site in Church Road so the current building could be transformed into housing or office space.

The current Redditch Library building could also be demolished with the library also moving into the former hospital site, and it becoming a public services hub.

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A report into the regeneration plan says the dominance of the Kingfisher Shopping Centre has meant that other areas of the town centre have suffered as a result.

It also admits that the town centre suffers from poor external perception and image and acknowledges in recent times there has been a lack of new investment attracted into the town.

Leader of Redditch Council Bill Hartnett called the proposals exciting and a great opportunity for the town.

"We're looking to create various sectors or hubs within the town centre such as business, retail, leisure, learning, railway, and a public realm," he said.

"We are also looking to bring more residential accommodation into the town centre, one of the aims being to improve the vitality and viability of the town centre."

However, leader of the conservatives Juliet Brunner argued there has been no member involvement and called the proposals "short sighted" and "rushed".

The councillor, who stressed she does support the regeneration of the town centre, said: "We want to get this right, all options should be on the table. This proposal lacks imagination."

Cllr Hartnett admitted that the concepts so far have been largely officer-led but that this is the start of the process and Redditch Council has not, and will not, be working alone during the process.

The proposals will go before full council next week.