ALMOST £1m will be spent to revamp Redditch’s tired and dated town centre.

Alcester Street as well as parts of Grove Street, Peakman Street, Church Green East and Market Place are set to be transformed starting in mid-March until August.

During the £880,000 works, full pedestrian access will be maintained but vehicle access will be disrupted, with local residents and businesses being consulted to minimise any issues.

County Council bosses have written to residents and businesses in parts of the town centre ahead of the next phase of improvements.

The works, which will include resurfacing a large amount of the town centre, new street furniture, signage, and the cleaning and rehoming of planters and street lights, aim to provide a safe and attractive place for residents and visitors.

Plans are available to view at Redditch Library from February 27.
Six trees responsible for damage to the southern end of Alcester Street will also be replaced by more suitable trees in planters, providing a surface free from trip hazards.

Included is a new one-way system for authorised vehicles in the town’s pedestrian zone, which will also change the access to the parking bays on Church Green East to be from Peakman Street.

The scheme is being funded by £350,000 from Redditch Borough Council and £530,000 from Worcestershire County Council.

Redditch Borough Councillor Greg Chance, whose portfolio covers regeneration and economic development, said: "We’re pleased that these latest efforts to improve Redditch for visitors, residents and businesses alike are coming soon.

"There will be some short-term disruption but it needs doing, and putting the hard work in to achieve a cleaner, safer, and better-looking town centre will make Redditch a more attractive prospect for everyone long term."

Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy, skills and infrastructure, added: "Worcestershire has one of the fastest growing economies in the country and investment in public realm areas is vital to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and local shops and businesses flourish.

"We are spending more money on improvement projects in Worcestershire now than at any time in the last three decades, and this further investment in a number of town centres, including Redditch, is designed to ensure they remain attractive, vibrant places where people want to visit, shop and spend time."

These improvement works follow recently completed schemes in Bromsgrove High Street, Kidderminster, Tenbury, Broad Street, the Cornmarket and Angel Place in Worcester.