Kidderminster Creative Hub

Merging architectural heritage with modern innovation for economic growth

Client: Wyre Forest District Council
Listed Grade II
Status: Complete

The restoration of the Grade II Listed Former Magistrates' Court in Kidderminster town centre has restored and maximised the potential of the whole site as Kidderminster’s business and creative hub. The renovation of the new facility, named ‘The Old Court’ and ‘The Weaving Sheds’ was commissioned and managed by Wyre Forest District Council with funding from the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF).

  • The Old Court is a Grade II listed building designed in the Queen Anne Revival style by the architect J G Bland of Birmingham and built between 1878-1879 for R J Willis, a company known for making Brussels carpets. In 1883 the premises were sold to Woodward, Grosvenor and Company and used as their main offices and showroom. The adjacent weaving sheds appear to have been extended at this time.

    In 1971 the building and weaving sheds were sold to the borough council, and part of the main building was converted to house the Magistrates' Court with the remaining premises used as office accommodation for various council departments. The weaving sheds to the rear became a covered market until the mid-1990s. The Magistrates Court moved to new premises in mid-2000s, and the building has remained vacant since then.

    The historic Grade II Listed buildings have been retained, refurbished, and revealed, giving them a sustainable future, as an integral part of the restoration vision.

    The impressive building now provides 1,800 sqm of high-quality office and event space available to rent, alongside county wide innovation projects newly installed into the building.  There are three floors accessed by a lift which offer individual workspaces, shared kitchen, event spaces, meeting rooms and kitchen, shower and toilet facilities. The former court chamber itself is now a large light, bright conference and meeting room, with seating capacity for 120 people.

“It’s very exciting to see the building transformed to retain its heritage feel with all the modern amenities making it fit for the future. Our intention is that local and regional businesses and organisations will welcome the addition of this high quality facility in the middle of town. The redevelopment of this site provides a critical element for the long-term vision by supporting Kidderminster’s economic and technological offer - a home for creative and digital industries - helping to drive growth and contribute to future sustainability.”

— Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda

“This transformation will play a key role in renewing and reshaping Kidderminster town centre, developing a highly visible gateway building whilst re-purposing a significant historic asset. The outside public space has also been enhanced, helping to define the town centre’s identity and provide direction for a pedestrian route through town.”

— Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council Quote Source

Project Team

Lead Consultant, Architect & Principal Designer: BFF Architects
Heritage Consultant: BFF Architects
Project Manager: Arcadis
Civils & Structural Engineer: AKSWard
MEP Engineer: SGA Consulting
Cost Consultant: Focus Consultants
Acoustic Consultant: Arno Acoustics
Planning Consultant: HGH
Archaeology: Worcestershire County Council
Landscape Architect: FIRA
Access Consultant: People Friendly
Transport Consultant: Caneparo Associates
Fire Consultant: BB7
Main Contractor: BAM

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