REDDITCH residents can ‘virtually’ see what the new town centre will look like at a special event.
Using a virtual reality technology, visitors to the Kingfisher Centre can don special goggles which will let them walk round the new plaza.
The system will let people walk from the site of the current library to the site of the proposed new facility.
The Plaza makes up just part of the Town Investment Plan (TIP) which formed the basis of Redditch’s £15.6m bid of Government allocated Towns Fund with £4m of the pot going to this initial project.
Led by the Redditch Town’s Deal Board, the TIP also includes development of a new digital manufacturing and innovation centre and public realm improvements.
Board Chairman and Redditch resident Leigh Walton, said: “Even though the images we have shared with the public are detailed, the virtual reality experience will enable users to get their bearings and see for themselves how the plans fit together.
“They will be able to walk around the plaza and experience how it will link with the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and so improving the daytime and night times economies.”
The information stand will be in a kiosk opposite WHSmiths on Friday December 16 and Saturday December 17 from 10am til 4pm and a representative from North Worcestershire Economic Development, which is carrying out the work on behalf of the Town’s Deal Board and the Borough Council, will also be on hand.
Redditch Borough Council Leader Coun Matt Dormer said: “This multi-million pound project is often overshadowed by people who fear they will lose their library, when in fact a new bigger and more accessible library would be created.
“I hope this virtual reality experience will attract the ‘silent majority’ of residents who will be able to see the bigger the picture of how we want to unlock Redditch’s potential and not just focus on one element.”
Visit redditchbc.gov.uk/towncentre or redditchtowndeal.co.uk for more information.
