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The HISTORY of REDDITCH New Town

Housing - The Legacy…..

● In the 20 year development period, 14,756 dwellings were built, in the peak year of 1977 over
1,600 were built

● A range of styles, sizes and prices, both for purchase and for rent, were provisioned.

● Careful planning and development ensured the green credentials of the town were
maintained with existing hedgerows and other natural features retained wherever possible.

● Despite the post-war trend for high-rise apartment blocks, none were built in Redditch.

● The roads & transport policies were such that most houses were on closes with minimum
traffic and connecting walkways with underpasses to avoid crossing roads on local journeys.

● Most communities had a local Centre within easy reach, with facilities to meet day-to-day
needs.

● The focus on new housing estates did anger some residents of existing housing who believe
they did not see much benefit coming their way.

● The local centres failed to inspire the community spirit envisaged and fell foul to anti-social
behaviour and vandalism.

● World & national economic conditions such as the oil crisis and housing booms of the 1970s
& 1990s could not be predicted which disrupted the carefully laid plans of the RDC.

● Economic and social pressures post the RDC period mean that many principles of housing
laid down for the new town have fallen by the wayside.

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