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The HISTORY of REDDITCH New Town

Worcester Walk, the first mall to be built, started 1970 (known as Block A) had a floor
level based on the road level in the adjacent Evesham Street. This phase was built behind
the Evesham Street shops starting behind the Talbot Hotel covering Worcester Road and
running out towards the Railway Station.

Many of the Evesham Street shops were re-located into Blocks A and F on completion in
1971-72, thus allowing some demolition ready for the next phase of the building
programme.

The phasing of construction was a very important factor, the existing population had to
be served, deliveries had to be maintained and car parking provided.
Block F formed two sides of Royal Square and was constructed at the same time as Block
A on open ground vacated by the re-positioned market in Walford Street. Block F was
to hold a market hall for fish, meat and vegetables, together with a nightclub, offices and
shops.

The miner’s strike caused the three-day week to be adopted so the Corporation installed
a gas turbine generator to provide power and heating during the national power cuts.
Phase II 1973 (Block G) extended from Phase I to Royal Square forming the third side of
the square. The fourth side would follow later when Marks and Spencer’s shop was built
in 1980.
A covered pedestrian walkway was a temporary connection between Block A and Block
F.

An early view of Worcester Square in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre
showing both the Palm Trees and the Air Conditioning Vents, both
of which have long disappeared.

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