THE GRAND reopening of Kidderminster Town Hall took place on Friday after an ambitious three-year £12million redevelopment project that saw the venue receiving major upgrades.
The work, which took two years to complete, included a refurbished cafe, new dressing rooms and other improvements.
At the official launch, the Mayor of Kidderminster, Coun Doug Hine, welcomed guests and dignitaries from other areas to the revamped Grade II listed building.
Picture by Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
The first acts to perform at the hall’s new music room, prior to the official launch, included Mathew Horne and Imagine Lennon.
At the opening event, guests enjoyed Angela Allard performing on the Steinway grand piano and also Tim Morris on the wonderful William Hill organ, an impressive feature in the new-look music room.
Afterwards, there was an exclusive performance from well-known Kidderminster band, Blind Lemon.
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Coun Hine said he was delighted to officially reopen the beautifully transformed Town Hall.
He then unveiled a commemorative plaque and carried out the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
He added the occasion marked a proud moment for the town, celebrating both its rich heritage and its bright future as a centre for community and culture.
Picture by Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
Hugh Peacocke, the chief executive officer of the Kidderminster Town Council, thanked all the authority’s members and officers, past and present, who had contributed so much to the project over the past six years.
And he thanked Wyre Forest District Council for its support, the main contractors, Speller Metcalfe Ltd. and the team of consultants who worked on the project.
Town hall manager Matt Smith said he was incredibly proud to see the venue’s doors reopen after the major transformation.
He added the project had been ‘a true labour of love’ for everyone involved – turning an historic landmark into a modern, welcoming space for the whole community.
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Coun Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, planning and the green agenda, said: “This is a very special moment in the life story of Kidderminster Town Hall.
“The landmark building has been beautifully restored to take its place as a key town centre heritage asset, a cultural space and events venue.
“We are delighted to have been able to support Kidderminster Town Council to regenerate the Town Hall with funding secured through the Government’s Levelling Up programme which has seen £17.9million investment in Kidderminster town centre.
“This is a first-class representation o fhow public money can really make a difference not only to the look and feel of town centres but to the present and future quality of cultural life for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Picture courtesy of Adam Carrigan Photography. s
Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, the main contractor on the project, said the firm was incredibly proud to have played a key role in the restoration of the historic town hall which holds such significance for the local community.
“This project has sensitively combined the preservation of the building’s historic character with modern performance standards, ensuring it remains a vibrant, sustainable venue for generations to come.”
An open day was held on Saturday to showcase what the venue has to offer.
