Page 10 - Redditch New Town Centre Success or Failure

Redditch Heritage Redditch New Town, Success or Failure?

homework it was disappointing to all to have to abandon the project because of
the financial structures that were placed on it.

A third disappointment was the failure, after a public inquiry, to obtain approval
for the extension of the Alcester Highway to the south linked with the opening
up of the related employment area at Green Lane. This infrastructure and
employment potential would have given the town a stronger base for stimulating
the medium and long term local and regional economy.

The Town We Leave

Areas of rapid growth necessarily have buildings of great similarity and style, but

the Corporation's low key approach to design when associated with a truly
exceptional standard of landscaping, ensures a mellow physical environment
which gives Redditch its individual quality.

The diversification in the local economy and the recently designated ‘assisted
area' status will ensure the longer term stability of the town and the shopping

and recreational facilities will guarantee a social life of great quality and
satisfaction.

In transport terms the town has an enviable bus service which should continue a
level of convenience above that to be expected of such a town. The 115 miles of
road constructed. together with measures for pedestrian segregation provides an
exceptionally safe pedestrian and highway network, unburdened by traffic

congestion. The many social groups which have been stimulated and encouraged
should also provide a community cohesiveness able to cope with the rigours of
post Corporation life.

From the earliest moment there have been Liaison Groups with the Local
Authorities. These have provided a useful contact, though inevitably the authori-

ties have not seen eye to eye on every matter. It is to be hoped that the public
authorities will look to the future in not too parochial a way. Redditch is now a
town that has a great deal of influence in the region, with even greater potential
for growth and it is important that growth is not stultified, whether it be economic
or physical. The prosperity of Redditch can only help the West Midlands Region
and give a much needed regeneration to the regional economy. No town can

afford to stand still and must be capable of coping and encouraging both growth
and change.

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