Looking around the Wyre Forest area although the government is predicting difficult times, the shoots of Spring are starting to emerge with the amount of new development taking place in the area.

In Stourport Road work is now well underway with the former sugar beet factory, and presents an opportunity for economic growth and development as this site progresses. It is hoped that new companies will be attracted to this area, as it is the first time for many years that there has been an opportunity for large companies to find a location which has good infrastructure with links to major trunk roads and then the motorway network. The last development of this type on the former Brintons playing fields by Finepoint has been a big success, particularly with the site partially being developed with the new Wyre Forest District Council Offices. It is hope that the next development in Stourport Road will be as successful.

Apart from this the new residential development taking place throughout the area, in particular the new development on the junction of Hurcott Road and Stourbridge Road, and the development at Clensmore Street by Bellway Homes, also prove the need for good quality accommodation in the district.

We are also finding that enquiries for commercial and industrial property in and around the area are increasing, and there is still a demand for both small shop units and investment property.

Looking at the overall national picture, the Wyre Forest area is showing signs of rejuvenation after the recession. Although there is still a long way to go, the seeds have been sown and it is hoped will blossom, and Kidderminster in particular will become more of an important industrial and commercial centre, as it has been in the past with the carpet industry.

Commercial and retail property in Bewdley and Stourport are also showing further signs of improvement, and it is encouraging to see that there is still a healthy demand for small shop units.

The largest task to be undertaken in the district relates to the rejuvenation of Kidderminster Town Centre, and already some are working on this in the hope that there will be new inspiration for areas which have previously formed the Town Centre Shopping Area, for which there is still little demand for the larger shop units. Some residential conversions are likely, but there needs to be incentives or grants available to help encourage investment in this part of the town.

It is hoped that progress will be made in this direction, and the way forward will become clearer later this year.

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