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Here's an exclusive image of how the new Crown Centre will look

STOURBRIDGE'S skyline looks set to be changed forever after councillors this week gave the thumbs up to ambitious £50m plans to redevelop the ailing Crown Centre.

Modus's town-transforming proposal to turn the outdated and unpopular centre into a state-of-the-art, contemporary shopping complex was given the thumbs-up at Monday's development control committee meeting.

Many councillors were a little uneasy at the thought of approving such an iconic, modern-looking building - but all agreed it is the best option for the town's future.

Stourbridge councillor June Collins said: "I personally don't care very much for the design, but I do welcome the fact that at last something is going to be done about the Crown Centre. No way can we be justified in stopping this development because it's so badly needed in the town. We don't like change in Stourbridge, but eventually we'll get used to it."

The redevelopment will see a new anchor food store built, as well as a new market hall, new shop units, new multi-storey carpark and 75 plush new town centre apartments.

Councillor Tim Wright, chairman of the planning committee, said: "It's exciting times for Stourbridge. It looks like plans to make a town centre fit for the 21st century."

Town councillor Malcolm Knowles, Dudley's cabinet member for regeneration, added: "This development is probably the most important going on in Stourbridge for many years and we hope the new Crown Centre will be there for longer than the old one."

Councillor Geoff Southall said: "I have reservations about the design of the apartments, but we can't complain too much. I would like to see something a little bit more in-keeping with a historic market town, but I'm prepared to go along with it."

Peter Macfarlane, investment director for Manchester-based property developers Modus, said afterwards: "They don't like some of the design, but they know it's right for the town and it's what the people want. The town centre needs regeneration and sometimes you have just got to move forward. It was a vote for the people, a vote for common sense."

The application still has to be approved by the Government Office for the West Midlands, but if everything goes to plan work on the new complex could start this time next year.

2:17pm Tuesday 18th March 2008

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