Agenda item

This report will follow in supplementary papers after it has been published for the meeting of the Executive Committee (due for publication on Friday 28 August 2026).

The Committee considered the proposed Redditch Town Centre Strategy and the accompanying action plan. Officers explained that the strategy provided a vision and framework for the future development, management and promotion of the town centre. It was intended to guide investment, support partnership working and align activity around a shared set of priorities. The Strategy focuses on supporting a strong and diverse economy, improvements to the public realm, enhancing accessibility and safety, increasing footfall through events and activities, and encouraging investment and long-term sustainability. It was highlighted that this was a strategic document rather than a detailed delivery plan, with the initial action plan focusing mainly on the first 12-months.

The Leader of the Council was invited to speak and in doing so he stated that the Strategy was intended to make the town centre a place where people chose to spend time rather than merely pass through. He outlined current strengths of the Town Centre which included the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, the Church Green, the Palace Theatre, local heritage and the strong business community.

The Leader highlighted that there remained persistent issues which included levels of cleanliness, poor shop fronts, large number of vacant units, landscaping, signage and the general appearance of large parts of the town centre area. The Leader noted that alongside officers he had, and would continue to, undertake regular ‘walks’ to check on the town centre and monitor progress. All elected members were invited to join these walks. A Member noted that long-term regeneration aims for the town centre had to be pursued alongside visible day-to-day improvements and in that regard the continued development of partnership engagement with the College, the Kingfisher Centre, Police, businesses and the County Council was welcomed.

Members asked whether views had been sought from outside Redditch and how the town could distinguish itself from nearby centres. Officers confirmed that there had been no specific consultation outside the Borough, although other town centre strategies had been reviewed. During discussion the role of Kingfisher Shopping Centre as a major covered retail destination was highlighted alongside the work of Redditch Business Improvement District (BID), the role of transport connections and the opportunity to encourage existing Kingfisher Centre footfall to visit the wider town centre. Members also referred to changing shopping habits, online retail, weaknesses in the night-time economy in the Borough and the effect of business rates, noting that the business rates were set by the central government. It was commented that increased business rates retention would allow local authorities the flexibility in tackling problems such as vacant shop units.

The Committee discussed the Council’s relationship with the Kingfisher Centre and the issue of vacancies of town centre premises. It was reported that dialogue with the centre’s ownership should be strengthened so the Council’s and Kingfisher’s plans could be aligned more closely. The Leader of the Council explained that officers were exploring the statutory and other powers available to address poorly maintained or empty premises and highlighted that parts of the town centre were within a conservation area which provided the Council with certain additional powers. The possibility of Council undertaking purchases of long-term empty units was also mentioned as a possibility. It was noted that the Council’s available powers in relation to vacant premises, poor shop fronts, signage and conservation-area standards would be reviewed.

A Member queried the action attract visitors and asked about the proposed Young People’s Town Centre Forum. Officers clarified that establishment of the forum remained an objective rather than a completed action. An initial workshop had been held jointly with Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College on how young people used the town centre, what they wanted from it and how to increase employment opportunities in the town centre. Further engagement would be developed with schools, education providers and youth organisations so that young people’s views continued to inform delivery of the Strategy.

The Committee endorsed the report recommendation as printed.

RECOMMENDED that

the Redditch Town Centre Strategy and Action Plan be approved.