‘TOWN centres have got to keep moving’ according to a Bromsgrove councillor as three car parks are earmarked for development.

Bromsgrove District Council has revealed its regeneration plans for the town centre for the next few years up until 2040.

Cabinet members at their meeting last week (Wednesday, July 12) endorsed a detailed report on five potential development sites in the town.

Churchfields Car Park and School Drive Car Park could be converted into residential development, while Stourbridge Road Car Park is earmarked for either a commercial development or a mixed residential and commercial development.

According to a document produced for Bromsgrove District Council’s cabinet, the car parks minus Churchfields which closed last year due to anti-social behaviour issues, are significantly underused.

If the sites are converted into developments, the overall parking provision in the town would reduce by 32 per cent.

The first stage of the plan includes the development of the former Market Hall site for flexible office space, restaurants and bars and a Pavilion building, and site clearance on Windsor Street in preparation for residential use.

These two projects will be funded by the Levelling Up Fund grant of £14.6m and £1.6m match funding from the council.

Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for economic development, Cllr Sue Baxter, said: “This report illustrates the council’s regeneration priorities in Bromsgrove and will form part of a bigger picture as we develop our wider strategy.

“Town centres have got to keep moving and regenerate themselves to keep up with the times and the changing needs of shoppers, residents, and businesses.

"It’s important the council listens and identifies the right opportunities to do this, to ensure that major unused or underused sites don’t stay that way, don’t stagnate, and instead get the best chance of a new lease life to attract people and investment into a vibrant town centre.”

Leader of the council, Cllr Karen May, said: “This council has a proven track record of delivering high quality regeneration projects that benefit our local economy, and of securing investment into the district.

"Part that is ensuring we are actively driving the strategic process forward, backed by high quality work.

"We believe this ambitious and deliverable vision will enable the regeneration Bromsgrove needs in the near future.”