THE FUTURE of Stourport’s former Bridge Street Car Park remains uncertain after no bids from the community were received before last month’s deadline.
The land, owned by the council and formerly used as a temporary car park, had been made available for development proposals from community organisations.
Stourport Civic Society had secured the key town centre site’s listing as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
But, this week, it announced it would not be submitting a bid for Bridge Street.
The society said, after careful consideration, it had taken its decision on the grounds of financial viability and lack of information.
It added Wyre Forest District Council’s decision to retain significant adjoining land – well beyond the original curtilage of the only building on the site (8A Bridge Street) – would leave the remaining parcel so constrained it was ‘no longer a viable site for redevelopment’.
The society suggested the revised boundaries were poorly defined and said there was a ‘lack of good faith from the council as a willing seller’.
The society claimed, despite repeated requests, the council had failed to provide key evidence required to conduct due diligence.
And it said, despite repeated requests, it had received no clear details on the land’s condition, including the presence and remediation status of former fuel tanks.
In addition, Stourport Civic Society claimed no clarity was provided on land charges attached to the site.
The society stated: “Without such fundamental information, it is impossible to prepare a responsible offer in good faith.
“Our confidence has been undermined by the council’s lack of transparency and its failure to honour the spirit of the Localism Act.”
Despite the setback, Stourport Civic Society said it remained convinced of the long-term potential of Bridge Street as a community asset.
The society has built up a strong relationship with the Canals and Rivers Trust (CRT) and said it had also engaged with developers willing to explore viable options for the site.
It added the council was removing the Bridge Street Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) from its planning policies, further eroding confidence in the authority’s commitment.
Council response
Wyre Forest District Council said it was continuing to assess regeneration options for the Bridge Street site.
It added the ACV designation reflected the community’s ambition to shape the site’s future, which was part of a broader vision to redevelop the area – creating a stronger link between Stourport’s town centre and its historic canal basins, supporting tourism and local businesses.
Coun Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, said: “We are disappointed no community-led schemes came forward for the Bridge Street site.
“However, this presents a renewed opportunity for private sector developers to step up and help deliver a high-quality scheme that enhances the town’s unique setting, particularly around the canal basins.
“Our vision for this site is to create a vibrant, connected area with uses that attract both residents and visitors.
“We know Stourport has strong potential and we want to unlock that as part of our wider regeneration ambitions.”
The council added that, while it remained committed to seeing the site regenerated, limited availability of Government funding meant any future development was more likely to come through commercial investment.
The council said it continued to welcome dialogue with interested developers which shared its ambition to bring new life to this important town centre location.
Looking to the future
Looking forward Stourport Civic Society said: “Bridge Street car park could and should be a vital link between the canal basins and the town centre.
“We regret a combination of avoidable circumstances have prevented us from pursuing a bid, but we will continue to champion its future.”
And the society called on the council and its successor under the Local Government Reorganisation to ensure community groups are given transparent, timely and
comprehensive information in future, so the ACV process can genuinely empower communities as intended.
“We also call on the council to ensure any future development of the site is appropriate to the historic conservation area setting.
“Stourport cannot be let down again.”
