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The HISTORY of REDDITCH New Town

1982 Forge Mill opens after refurbishment as the National Needle Museum.
Herbert Terry makes 150 workers redundant.

Historian and leading light in the Forge Mill restoration, Geoff Rawlins dies.

Hunt End industrial estate started.

Development policy and programme to cover extended life until Dec. 1984 approved. Mass protests in Redditch over education cuts.

Michael Cammeron appointed Artistic Director of the Palace Theatre.

New Methodist Church in Crabbs Cross dedicated.

New Town development contract – Car Park 7, 1982 – 1983.

New Town development contract – Transport Interchange, phase 3, 1982 – 1984.

New Town Hall opened.

Palace Theatre taken over by the Mercian Theatre & Arts Group.

Plans for the final stage of the Redditch Ringway approved.

Plans to improve the bus station announced.

1983 Board agreed proposals to set up Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Housing Agency came into effect.

Deputation to Kenneth Clark, Minister of Health, on need for a casualty service.

Eduardo Paolozzi Mosaics in Millward Square unveiled by Sir William Rees-Mogg.

Policy confirming RDC assets to be transferred to Commission for New Towns.

Application for Alcester Highway Phase II rejected by Secretary of State.

Historic visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Redditch.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opens National Needle Museum at Forge Mill.

Contract awarded for Ringway completion.

Proposals on Community Related Assets discussed.

Minister issued a direction notice on housing transfer with effect from 1 April 1985.

RDC dissolution date confirmed as 30th June 1985.

Redundancies at both HDA and GKN as the downturn in the economy continues.

The founder of the Batteries dies.

1984 Visit of Lord Bellwin, Minister of State. Department of the Environment.

Confirmation of target and dissolution dates.

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