Views wanted over plan to turn old court into arts venue

Members of the public are invited to have their say on plans to transform a former magistrates’ court into an arts venue.

An artist's impression of how the building could look

A temporary exhibition showcasing plans for the former Kidderminster Magistrates Court, which has been vacant for 20 years, will be staged on Thursday, September 9 on the Coronation Gardens, opposite the court building from 3-6pm.

The Grade II listed building, which was built in the late 1870s, has been empty since the early 2000s and these plans promise to breathe new life into the historic site.

It comes as part of the Government funding initiative The Future High Streets Fund to transform struggling high streets.

Kidderminster was awarded £20.5m from this fund with three major projects under way including the former Crown House/Bullring area,Worcester Street and the former Magistrates Court.

The public exhibition will allow people to see and discuss plans that are detailed in the planning application submitted to Wyre Forest District Council.

Council officers and representatives from architects Burrell Foley Fischer will be available for informal discussions on the proposed plans with display boards.

Plans for the site to be transformed into a creative and performance arts venue, will provide a range of flexible work, performance and production spaces.

Wyre Forest District Council leader Helen Dyke said: “We invite anyone interested in this transformation project to come along and see what is being proposed.

"We are looking forward to progressing with the development of this site. Our overall intention is to improve connectivity across town and redevelop key sites which are the former Crown House/Bullring area, Worcester Street and the former Magistrates Court.”

It is anticipated that the application will be considered by the planning committee by the end of the year.

Councillor Dyke added: “Our remit for the former magistrates court redevelopment is that it provides an iconic yet affordable space that will be a magnet for the people of Kidderminster and a hub for creativity and innovation for many years to come.”