THE TOWN Deal plans for the redevelopment of Redditch Library have been delayed until September this year.
In 2019, Redditch was invited to develop a town deal plan to secure up to £25million in government funding for economic growth and regeneration.
A proposed public square would then be built on the site to help drive footfall to and from the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
Redditch Labour Group have issued a statment saying:” During the election period we were told all would be revealed at the end of May 2022.
“This was pushed back to June 2022, before a July date was proffered.
“Now we have found out that there will be no report on the proposed demolition and relocation of the library before September.
“This is supposedly to allow time for Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Borough Council to develop a plan suitable to put to the government as part of the final business case.
“At Monday’s full Council Redditch Labour will be asking the Leader of the Council to provide an update on the progress of the Town Deal Fund.”
Redditch Borough Council Leader Matt Dormer said: “The redevelopment of the library is a key project in the Town Deal but it is not just about moving what we have already to another part of the town.
“The library service will be retained but it will become a part of the Town Centre hub which will not only serve as a place where people can carry out their business, but can enjoy the social and community element which everything being under one roof provides.
“There is a slight delay on the business case being sent to Government but it is vital we get this step of the process right – which I have been transparent about all along.
“Indeed I am happy to speak to the town on any occasion about the Town Deal and what it means for our people – they are ambitious plans because Redditch deserves the best and we will deliver.”
Coun Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for Communities at Worcestershire County Council said: “We are continuing to work together with Redditch Borough Council to identify a positive solution for the library to ensure it remains a vibrant community hub at the heart of Redditch and provides services to meet the needs of Redditch residents.”
