THE NEW-LOOK Grade II Kidderminster Town Hall is set to reopen its doors in autumn this year after an £8.5million revamp.
The building is currently undergoing a massive transformation which will see a complete refurbishment of the cafe area. The Town Hall will become an indoor and outdoor space which can be further divided into separate areas for group entertainment.
Throughout the building there are upgrades to the mechanical and electrical services, including the 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.
Contractor Speller Metcalfe is also restoring and cleaning the heritage features outside of the Town Hall to ensure they continue to stand the test of time and the whole project is moving at pace.
‘Great to see transformation’
Coun John Beckingham, Chairman of Kidderminster Town Hall Committee, said: “It is great to see the transformation of our heritage building taking shape before our eyes.
“The new covered courtyard is almost complete. It is sure to provide the ‘wow factor’ for visitors and is sure be a destination in itself when we open our doors to residents, bands, theatre companies, choirs, musicians and performers.
“In the Music Room the stage has been brought up to modern performance standards alongside sound and lighting upgrades. The historic ceiling has been restored alongside refurbishment of the floor.
“Restoration work is being carried out on the rare William Hill organ, which is of both national and international significance – we are very proud to have such a wonderful instrument in our town.”
Speller Metcalfe has a long-standing and successful history of redeveloping heritage buildings, including the world-famous Museum of Making in Derby, the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham and the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton.
‘Real focal point’
Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “The project team has worked hard to get the Town Hall to its current position, with the new courtyard a real focal point for visitors and the community.
“As a local contractor, and with many of our team hailing from Kidderminster and the surrounding area, we know first-hand what a positive impact this scheme will have on the town and we look forward to handing over the completed building later this year.”
The redevelopment of one of Kidderminster’s most historic landmarks is being delivered by Kidderminster Town Council, which owns the building, in partnership with Wyre Forest District Council.
One of several major projects
This is one of the major projects being funded through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund in Kidderminster.
The Piano Building at Weavers Wharf is currently being upgraded ready to be occupied by food and beverage providers and first and second floor office space. This is work will be completed in July 2025.
A total of £17.9million has been allocated across the schemes, with the Town Hall securing £8.5million to support its sensitive regeneration.
For more information about economic development projects across Wyre Forest, go to www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/edr
