New Plans Unveiled for Stourport’s Bridge Street Car Park Development
Stourport Civic Society reveals exciting new plans for the Bridge Street car park, aiming to enhance the area and boost local economy.
Stourport, Bridge Street, Wyre Forest District Council, Civic Society, Community Value, Development
Stourport: The Stourport Civic Society has been busy lately. They just got approval for an Asset of Community Value application. This is a big deal because it helps protect the land after the Wyre Forest District Council announced plans to sell the car park.
Before this, there were talks about turning the old Lloyds Garage site into a gateway to the town’s historic basins. The council had this land for over ten years, but nothing really happened.
Now, the civic society has come up with a fresh plan. They’re looking at a project that includes 14,000 square feet of commercial, retail, and leisure space, plus 22 new apartments. Sounds promising, right?
They also want to spruce up the basin area with new quays, footpaths, and street trees. Plus, they’re thinking about long-term boat moorings. And get this—they plan to widen Engine Lane to make it easier for cars and pedestrians to get around.
Andrew Booton, the chairman of the civic society, is really excited about this project. He mentioned that their updated proposal is simpler and less risky, which is great for financial viability. It’s also quicker to deliver and has support from local businesses.
He believes this plan will create jobs and attract new residents to the town center, which is a win-win for everyone.
The civic society’s proposal is all about preserving the area’s heritage while making Bridge Street more vibrant. They’ve worked with experienced planners and developers to make sure everything is solid.
However, the council recently said they want to close the temporary car park and sell the land because they couldn’t find a viable development for it. Councillor Dan Morehead expressed disappointment, noting that market conditions haven’t been great for years.
Booton emphasized that the civic society is all about community interests. He believes planning should involve local people, not just be done to them. Their proposal aims to show what’s possible and encourage open discussions with the council.
They’re ready to bid if the land goes up for sale, thanks to its designation as an Asset of Community Value. Booton is hopeful that their plans can lead to a practical solution for Stourport’s future, benefiting everyone involved.