News

A preferred developer has been chosen for the former Market Hall site.

In 2012, the Advertiser reported that a preferred bidder, Opus, had been chosen for the site between Hanover Street, St John Street and Market Place, including George House.

The site was proposed to become a cinema with high quality retail and restaurant units. But the project suffered setbacks as Opus failed to conclude negotiations with the original anchor tenant and the detailed planning application, expected to be submitted in January 2013, failed to materialise.

In 2014, the developers pulled out, leaving the authority looking for a new developer. At Bromsgrove District Council’s latest cabinet meeting, held last Wednesday, the authority chose Hinton Properties as the preferred developer.

Jon Hinton, whose firm is based in Buntsford Drive, said: “The proposal is not dissimilar to what was before. It will be retail-led, and we have got occupier interest in it. Talks are ongoing, we want a deal to be done as soon as possible. We hope to reveal more soon.”

Councillor Rita Dent, whose portfolio covers economic development and the town centre, said: “After the disappointment of a developer pulling out previously this is brilliant news and another move towards creating a better Bromsgrove.”