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The HISTORY of REDDITCH New Town

1963 Sir Keith Joseph announced that Redditch was to be a New Town.

1964 Redditch New Town Designation Order issued.

Public Inquiry into New Town proposals.

Sir Edward Thompson appointed Chairman of RDC.

Board's first meeting in August, Hugh Wilson appointed Consultant Planner.

Holmwood acquired as Headquarters.

Redditch New Town Application Directive issued, Master Plan required.

New Town development contract - Development Corporation (RDC) formed.

1965 Alderman Harry Watton appointed Deputy Chairman.

First Capital Investment Programme approved.

Application for sewage powers at Spernal Ash.

Visit of Richard Crossman, Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Publication of Draft Plan and Interim Report.

First meeting of RDC - UDC Liaison committee.

Approval of first Housing Scheme at Greenlands.

1966 Regional Hospital Board to agree site for new District General Hospital.

1966 Enfield site bought by RDC for development as industrial estate.

Industrial survey commissioned.

Town Centre Study Group inaugurated.

Greenlands housing and Howard Road factories – contracts issued.

First housing development at Greenlands commenced.

Visit of Bob Mellish, Parliamentary Secretary to MHLG.

Final draft of Master Plan approved by Board.

1967 Publication of Master Plan.

Master Plan exhibition and public meetings held.

Town Centre interim report accepted by Board.

Public Inquiry on Master Plan proposals.

The first sixteen factories built by the RDC were ready for occupation.

1968 Health Centre proposals at Smallwood Hospital agreed.

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