Preliminary plans for the redevelopment of the Dog Lane area of Bewdley are set to be unveiled in the town on Monday 1st September 2008.
The proposed development will see a range of new and improved services for the community including a new medical centre, fire station, community hall, library, residential units (including affordable homes), retail premises and new public toilets.
The scheme is being developed by a steering group of representatives from Wyre Forest District Council, Worcestershire County Council, Advantage West Midlands, The Community Housing Group, Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, St Georges’ Hall Trust, Bewdley Medical Practice and developers Matrix Medical.
The first phase of the development will see the provision of a new fire station and St George’s Hall redeveloped as a Multi Use facility which will house the town library, retail unit, café, theatre, gallery / flexible space and office space for service providers.
This part of the scheme is being led by the Advantage West Midlands-funded Rural Regeneration Zone and is part of a planned network of Multi Use facilities across the Zone which aim to promote social inclusion and community cohesion by allowing access to services and opportunities.
Yvonne Leishman, Chair of the Steering Group said: “The Bewdley Town Centre re-development offers a unique opportunity to breathe life into a relatively neglected part of town. The project will not only offer improved services to residents but this unified approach will also improve the aesthetics of the town.”
Alistair Black of Matrix Medical said: “We want to open up the plans for consultation to ensure that any comments made can be taken onboard to deliver a scheme that has the full involvement of the local community.”
The plans are available for the public to view from Monday 1st to Saturday 6th September in the Library in Bewdley (except Tuesday 2nd when the library is closed.) Further consultation events will take place over the coming months as the scheme develops.