The council is set to move forward with its proposals to redevelop a former temporary car park in Stourport.
Following the recent public consultation on proposals for the Bridge Street site, Wyre Forest District Council has revealed it will be moving forward to the next stage of the project.
The council has agreed to progress design Option 2, a hybrid approach, whilst also exploring the feasibility of including a mezzanine level, subject to technical design and cost.
This would provide additional floor space and greater flexibility for future use.
This is in response to requests and suggestions made during the consultation and stakeholder engagement.
Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, planning and the green agenda, said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views through our public and stakeholder consultation on the proposed redevelopment of the Bridge Street site in Stourport-on-Severn.
“We received a great deal of feedback from residents, businesses, visitors and key stakeholders.
“Every comment has been carefully reviewed and considered alongside the consultation results, and the project team has now agreed a clear way forward, based on Option 2.”
The news comes following calls by the Stourport Civic Society for more appropriate design for the conservation area.
This follows a survey which revealed “overwhelming support” for a traditional canal warehouse-style design for Bridge Street compared to the two modern options offered by the council.
The Civic Society said it had 424 respondents to its survey with 91 per cent supporting the traditional approach compared to 4 per cent and five per cent of people supporting the two modern options.
They said the engagement was “substantial”.
Andrew Booton, chairman of Stourport Civic Society, said: “The findings demonstrate a strong alignment between community preference, conservation policy and established principles of a good design.
“Wyre Forest District Council’s proposals are generally sound and supportive, except for the architectural approach, which is inappropriate for the conservation area and has little public support.
“We hope the council will use this evidence and work with us and the community of Stourport to refine the architectural proposals.”
The council said it recognises the strong interest expressed by residents and community groups, including Stourport Civic Society, in the future of Bridge Street and they welcome the high level of engagement with the consultation.
The consultation received 308 responses, with 170 people selecting a preferred option.
Of those, 114 respondents (67 per cent) favoured Option 2, compared with 56 (33 per cent) for Option 1.
A further 138 respondents did not express a preference, and analysis of their comments showed a mix of views, including support for an alternative traditional design, general support without stating a preference, and responses with no additional comment.
For that reason, the council said it has considered both the numerical results and the full range of qualitative feedback, rather than relying on headline figures alone.
Option 2 was the most popular choice among those who selected a preferred design, and it also provides a practical route to delivery within the project’s requirements.
A spokesperson for Wyre Forest District Council said: “Your feedback will continue to shape the scheme as it develops, and we’ll look to make further improvements where this is viable.
“We’re committed to being open and transparent throughout, and to delivering a final design that respects the town’s heritage, works well for day‑to‑day use, and brings long‑term benefits for Stourport.”
The next step is to submit a planning application, which is expected in late summer 2026.
