PLANS that could completely transform the heart of Redditch will be developed further, councillors have agreed.

The Advertiser reported last week that proposals which could see the town hall and library torn down to make way for housing or office blocks - part of a regeneration plan to update the tired and dated town centre - were recently discussed and endorsed by councillors.

At a meeting on Monday night, members agreed to progress the idea of creating a ‘hub’ and also agreed that £150,000 be allocated to support the development of a detailed business case for the project.

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, which has just absorbed the job centre and been re-decorated, could also be demolished with the library also moving into the former hospital site, and it becoming a public services hub.

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.

But further work is required before a final decision can be taken by the council.

Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, cllr Greg Chance, said: “This is an exciting time for Redditch town centre and there are a number of proposals and ideas set out within the prospectus that are at an early stage but provide a taste of what could be delivered by the council and its partners to improve the offer of the town centre.

“Key to this could be the creation of a Public Services Civic Centre which brings partners together and will potentially make it easier for our customers to access services.

“We now need to take the time and work with our partners on all of these proposals so we can work together to create an exciting future for the town centre."

Council leader cllr Bill Hartnett said at the meeting: "These proposals are exciting, looking to create various sectors or hubs within the town centre such as business, retail, leisure, learning, railway and public realm, new town hall, also looking to bring more residential accomodation into the town.

"One of the aims being to improve the vitality and viability of the town centre."

Council also agreed to allocate £50,000 to support the development of proposals contained within the Regeneration Prospectus, a report which recognises the need to develop the town centre.