A MAJOR plan to create a new town centre park at the site of old shops has been given the green light by Wyre Forest District Council.

The former Woolworths, Megavalue, Poundland, and Sigma Aquatics stores on Worcester Street are being bulldozed to make way for the new open space in Kidderminster.

The proposed public open space will feature sloping grass terraces, trees, planting, seating, walls and new lighting.

A children's play area and a pavilion building, planned to be used for a café, are also set to be built. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Side aerial view of building demolition taking place at Worcester StreetSide aerial view of building demolition taking place at Worcester Street (Image: NWEDR)

North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration submitted a planning application back in August. Funding for the project is being provided by the government's Future High Streets Fund (FHSF).

Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee agreed to approve the proposal at a meeting this week.

During the meeting councillor Marcus Hart said: "I think that this will be an excellent addition to the regeneration of Kidderminster town centre".

Kidderminster Shuttle: Bird's eye view south east across open space towards Worcester Street Bird's eye view south east across open space towards Worcester Street (Image: NWedR/ Ares Landscape Architects)

Councillor Fran Oborski added: "I think it's absolutely great to be creating an urban park in the centre of Kidderminster.

"I think this is something we should welcome".

A public event where the designs for the new park were shown to town centre visitors for the first time was held on August 3 this year. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: The proposed new play areaThe proposed new play area (Image: NWedR/ Ares Landscape Architects)

Sophie Hellewell, of Ares Landscape Architects, the firm behind the design, said at the event: "We are all positive and excited and hoping it will make a change for the town.

"The construction will start next year with the aim to finish late summer/ autumn next year. That's our goal".

The proposals received a mixed response from residents and social media users at the time.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The view across from Swan Centre the bottom of steps on Worcester Street leading up through proposed open space, connecting to Bromsgrove StreetThe view across from Swan Centre the bottom of steps on Worcester Street leading up through proposed open space, connecting to Bromsgrove Street (Image: NWedR/ Ares Landscape Architects)

Debbie Cox said: "I think it's lovely but I think they should be concentrating on shops more than that at the moment".

Edward John Morris, said: "I think it's very good. I think it will make it look more presentable".

Bev Pagett said: "New shops or restaurants would be better."

Lisa Perry said: "Looks fantastic. 110% improvement on what’s there now".