A planning application to enhance Kidderminster town centre and its retail offer has been submitted to Wyre Forest District by Henderson Global Investors.

The plans intend to transform the River Stour into a centrepiece within a new public square, which will feature markets, fetes and other events, flanked by new restaurants and cafes plus new trees and landscaping, new street furniture, seating and extensive areas of pedestrian priority space and a flexible area for short stay parking.

Martin Perry, Director of Retail Development at Henderson, said: "We have engaged extensively with the local community on this project and the feedback received has been extremely useful in helping us finalise our proposals. We are excited about this next stage in the development process and hope to begin work to transform the area next year."

The proposals include the demolition of a number of shops and offices including Crown House and so Henderson intend to relocate all affected businesses within the town centre.

Proposals for Weavers Wharf include a new anchor retail unit of 5,552 sqm, three restaurants next to the canal (about 300 sqm each), three café/retail units overlooking the new square (totalling just over 1,000 sqm) and a new bridge over the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal to provide access to Matalan directly from Weavers Wharf retail park.

John Campion, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said: "It is important that Kidderminster adapts and changes with the times.  The submission of this planning application is a key milestone in the revitalisation of Kidderminster Town Centre and represents the next chapter in the 'ReWyre story'."

The proposed extension will add an additional 20% of floor space to the c.325,000 sqft Retail Park. Current tenants include Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Next and Boots.

Pending approval by March 2104, work could start in mid-2014 and be completed by summer 2016.