New market boosts Kidderminster town centre
A new indoor and outdoor market is bringing fresh hopes of a welcome boost to Kidderminster's town centre as it officially opens this weekend.
The Market Place, off New Road, has been hailed as a major step forward in the regeneration of the town centre. Owner Mo Ghoncheh said today it would "bring back community shopping lost when the previous indoor market closed 11 years ago".
The official unveiling of the market comes as council leaders pledge to tackle the number of empty shops in the town.
There are currently around 17 units empty or to let in the centre's main shopping streets. Council bosses are now drawing up plans on how to attract more people into the centre.
Consultants will be recruited to give advice on how to increase footfall while free parking for Christmas has also been announced by Wyre Forest District Council.
Fifteen traders have booked space in indoor units and about 10 on outside stalls at the market, which is open Mondays to Saturdays. They are offering everything from locally-produced honey and sweets to a manicure and haircut.
The Market Place will be officially opened on Saturday by Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier.
Mr Ghoncheh, aged 54, a former nightclub owner, said today: "Kidderminster was made a market town by Royal Charter in the 12th and 13th Centuries. With so many shops disappearing, I think this is important to the town."
Peter Michael, town centre manager, said initiatives such as free parking after 4pm during an extended festive season from November 17 to January 13 and rate relief offered to traders willing to take over empty properties were proving successful in bringing back trade.
