A ROW has broken out surrounding plans to continue to use a Kidderminster site earmarked for development as a car park.
A planning application has been submitted asking permission to continue to use the site of the former Crown House as a temporary district council operated car park for another five years.
However, this application has seen 105 objections, with many feeling that the site at the Bull Ring should be redeveloped.
One objector said: “The Bull Ring is derelict and badly needs regeneration.
“This could be our new gateway and public open space with cafes and bars, access to the River Stour for visitors and residents to sit, dine, drink and enjoy the town centre.”
The eight-storey Crown House was an office building but had been empty for several years before demolition work finally began in 2019.
Kidderminster was awarded £20.5 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund in December 2020.
In 2021, a post published on Wyre Forest District Council’s Facebook page said this money was being used to improve connectivity across the town and redevelop key sites, including the former Crown House and Bullring area, Worcester Street and the former Magistrates’ Court.
Objectors to the site being used as a car park took to social media claiming that Wyre Forest District Council had £4million left of the Future High Street Fund, which could be spent on regenerating the site- something the authority has dismissed as ‘completely incorrect.’
A spokesperson for the authority said: “The Future High Streets Fund has supported major regeneration projects as part of the wider Kidderminster 2040 vision, including the restoration of the former Magistrates Court into The Old Court and Weaving Sheds- now a hub for creativity, businesses and events – and the creation of Talbot Park, a new public green space on Worcester Street.
“Several redevelopment options for Crown House have been explored, but none have yet proved financially viable.
“Our ambition remains to see the site redeveloped in the future.
“In the meantime, pending private investor involvement, the site continues to operate as a well-used public car park.
“We are now submitting a planning application to continue this use for a further five years, in line with planning requirements for the site.
“We also want to make clear that the council is not ‘sitting on’ unused Future High Streets Fund money. The full allocation has been spent on delivering the projects above in line with the grant application criteria.
“The council remains committed to delivering the Kidderminster 2040 Vision through responsible, sustainable investment that supports the town’s future.”
Visit Wyre Forest District Council’s planning portal and search for reference 26/0380/RG3 to view the application.
