Kidderminster Town Hall: New arts hub works begin in earnest

Works to redevelop the historic venue were originally due to start a year ago, but delays were caused due to rising costs.

Councillor David Ross, leader of Kidderminster Town Council, previously confirmed that financial issues have been "resolved" and Worcestershire-based contractor Speller Metcalfe was appointed as the construction firm for the project at the end of last year.

The redevelopment will see a complete refurbishment of the café area, transforming it into an indoor/outdoor space which can be further divided into separate areas for group entertainment.

In the music hall, the historic ceiling is being restored alongside refurbishment of the floor, and the stage brought up to modern performance standards alongside sound and lighting upgrades. The Town Hall has also secured funding to have the rare organ pipework professionally cleaned.

An artist's impression of the new courtyard (Image: NWedR)

Throughout the building there will also be upgrades to the mechanical and electrical services, installation of a new lift, improved disabled entrances and refurbishment of ground floor toilet areas. The King Charles suite roof is also being restored with improvements in insulation features to make the room more energy efficient and welcoming.

Finally, the project team will be restoring and cleaning the heritage features outside of the Town Hall to ensure they continue to stand the test of time.

Councillor David Ross, leader of Kidderminster Town Council said: “It is great to see work underway on the transformation of our heritage building.

"Piling work will be starting in mid-February, so neighbours and shoppers may be aware of this over the next few weeks.

“There is also work being done on the William Hill organ, which is of both national and international significance, and we are very proud to have such a wonderful instrument in our town. We will update as work progresses so everyone can follow the story of this exciting project.”

Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, added: “Our purpose as the contractor is to bring the town Hall into a modern era, but as importantly, to retain the character and ambience of the building - enabling it to thrive as part of the community for years to come.”

An artist's impression of the new-look Kidderminster Town Hall (Image: NWedR)

The redevelopment is being delivered by Kidderminster Town Council, who own the building, in partnership with Wyre Forest District Council and North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWedR).

It's one of three major projects being funded through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The second project is to bring back into use an empty listed heritage building in the heart of town, and thirdly to create a new walking and cycle pathway along the canal towpath in partnership with Worcestershire County Council - linking the heritage and natural assets with Kidderminster town centre (now complete).

£17.9 million has been allocated across the schemes, with the Town Hall securing £8.5 million to support its sensitive regeneration.

The project is due to be completed in Spring 2025.