Town hall improvements are a 'game-changer'

The refurbishment of Kidderminster Town Hall has been described as a "game-changer".

Matt Smith, town hall manager, said the works, which included new dressing rooms, would enable the space to be used for pantomimes and comedians.

He said: "It was not just on the maintenance of the building, the efficiency and the access, but also the flexibility of the space to make it more commercially viable."

Renovation works at the Grade II Listed building have been underway since January, with the project on course to reopen its doors in autumn 2025, according to Wyre Forest District Council.

Mr Smith said Kidderminster Town Council originally looked at future-proofing the town hall about six years ago.

The town hall secured £8.5m through the government's Levelling Up Fund after proposals were first put forward in 2021.

The redevelopment will see a complete refurbishment of the café area, transforming it into an indoor and outdoor space which can be further divided into separate areas for group entertainment.

Throughout the building there are upgrades to the mechanical and electrical services, including the installation of a new lift, improved disabled entrances and refurbishment of ground floor toilet areas.

The King Charles suite roof is also being restored, with improvements in insulation features to make the room more energy-efficient and welcoming.

Mr Smith said: "Hopefully this will regenerate the town, that's what we've got to think. Hopefully people will start coming out into town with more bars open, more cafes open.

"That's the idea and the plan," he added.

Kidderminster Town Hall is also home to a William Hill organ

The town hall is also the home to a William Hill organ, which the town hall manager said he was "very proud" of.

The organ was built by a renowned Victorian organ builder and Mr Smith said: "It's one of the few surviving William Hill organs that has been preserved to its original form."