REDDITCH Borough Council leader Coun Matt Dormer and MP Rachel Maclean have been giving their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in the town heading into 2023.
Coun Dormer said regeneration work through the Town Deal would continue this year, including the refurbishment of Unicorn Hill, Bates Hill and the expansion of Church Green.
Work to transform the Town Hall into a community hub is already under way.
Mrs Maclean said the enhancements, as well as the planned new railway station, would help Redditch to create a ‘much better first impression.’
She added plans for a digital innovation centre, aimed at upskilling young people in areas such as drone technology, advanced mechanics and engineering, would ‘put Redditch on the map.’
“We have brilliant businesses in Redditch, we talk to them about their challenges and they all say they’re struggling to hire the right people, so if youngsters in this town learn these skills more businesses will want to come.”
Plans to relocate the library to the community hub and demolish the existing building to make way for a plaza have come under intense criticism from Redditch councillors and residents.
Before Christmas, people were able to take a virtual reality tour of the plaza.
Coun Dormer claimed he had seen a ‘huge change of opinion’ from several residents following the tour.
“The majority of the feedback we have received has been positive, and in a few weeks’ time people will be able to take a virtual tour of our entire plans which I believe will help even more.”
One of the biggest criticisms of the library plans from residents has been the loss of Redditch’s archives, which are set to be transferred to the Hive.
Coun Dormer insisted this move would happen regardless of the library outcome, adding there may be scope for Redditch-specific archives to remain in the town.
Mrs Maclean admitted the last year had been turbulent due to the significant changes in the national government, the cost-of-living crisis, squeezes on energy prices and the war in Ukraine.
However, she added she felt the government was now stable and in a position to benefit the people of Redditch.
She also said she aimed to ensure the garden suite was returned to the Alexandra Hospital by the end of 2023, adding it ‘should’ve been back already’, as well as trying to return the children’s and maternity services.
