Centros Miller - Mixed-Use Development - Kidderminster, Weavers Wharf
Date: 05 Apr 2004
Weavers Wharf, the £60 million town centre retail and leisure scheme in Kidderminster, was officially opened on 25 March in the presence of HRH The Duke of Kent at a public ceremony held by Centros Miller, Wyre Forest District Council and Highstone Group.
To mark the event, The Duke of Kent unveiled a special plaque to officially declare Weavers Wharf open in the presence of the chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, Cllr. Pauline Hayward; Mayor of Kidderminster, Cllr. Helen Dyke; Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire and chairman of Brintons, Michael Brinton; and Paul Sykes, chairman of Highstone Group.
The Duke of Kent was given a guided tour of the development by John Laker director of Centros Miller, developers of the scheme, visiting several of the stores and meeting the managers. During the tour, The Duke of Kent received presentations on the challenges of developing the scheme and the history of the site from Steve Whitlock, the architect, Paul Vince, the engineer and Eddie Gardner of Brintons.
John Laker comments: "Since Centros Miller's appointment in 1996 by Wyre Forest District Council and Brintons, a lot of hard work has gone into turning 20-acres of tired industrial landscape into a vibrant bustling addition to Kidderminster's town centre. We have moved a river, relocated a bus station, decontaminated a gas holder, refurbished two listed buildings and signed up 23 new retailers and restaurants. Centros Miller is regarded as a town centre regeneration specialist and this scheme demonstrates what we do best and one which we are very proud of."
Chris Dalzell, managing director of Highstone Group, says: "The opening of Weavers Wharf is an important event in the ongoing regeneration of Kidderminster as a retail centre. The major new stores for Marks & Spencer, Next, New Look and JJB clearly demonstrate the resurgence of the town and Highstone is delighted to have provided the funding for this important scheme."
Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, Cllr. Pauline Hayward, adds: "I am delighted to welcome The Duke of Kent today. The Weavers Wharf development is a flagship project showing that our district is a flourishing community with a strong diverse and sustainable economy. I am sure that visitors to such a key shopping destination will be encouraged to come back again and again and when they do so I hope they will explore the district and discover the many other treasures that we have to offer."
The celebrations were boosted by Marks & Spencer opening its doors to the public for the first time, making 25 March the first day Weavers Wharf was fully open for trade.
Retailers at the scheme participated in promotional activities to celebrate the launch, ranging from discount offers to customers, in-store giveaways and competitions.
Centros Miller and Wyre Forest District Council arranged various activities on the day that included the prize giving by John Wheeler of Centros Miller and local head teacher, Mrs Val Weddell-Hall to the children and schools that won the local school painting and tapestry competition.
The art work will be on display on the day in the Town Hall Music Room to be transferred to Kidderminster Library from 26 March for three weeks.
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