Contractor Speller Metcalfe has begun the renovation of the Grade-II listed Piano Building in the heart of Kidderminster town centre.

Earlier this year, Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet approved the acquisition of the Piano Building and the neighboring bus station. After a competitive procurement process, plans are now in motion to transform the historic site into a modern mixed-use space, featuring co-working and hybrid work areas, entertainment venues, and ground-floor restaurants.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said: “It’s good to see work starting on the renovation of this town centre asset. It represents another key part of the regeneration of Kidderminster town centre and will provide a modern and attractive space for workers, visitors, and businesses for many years to come.

Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet member for economic regeneration, planning and the green agenda added: "One of the strategic aims of the project is to act as a catalyst for further activity and investment in the town centre, bringing in new uses and increasing footfall in the daytime and evening."

-- Advertisement --

Will Hamilton, Head of design at Speller Metcalfe, said: "The building is now officially handed over to us as site contractors. The renovation of the Piano building will start with repairing and renewing existing infrastructure. This will include upgrading heating and lighting and repairing damage to windows when the building was empty. We will then move onto the more aesthetic and visible work. The present industrial look and feel of the building will be preserved through retention of the brick and glass exteriors and inside the beautiful oak flooring will be restored.

"New tenants will be presented with a very appealing blank canvas to make their own as we will retain the modern industrial vibe in line with both the style of the building and also its planned purpose as a work and leisure space."

Martyn Chaplin, Commercial Director of Speller Metcalfe said: "The Speller Metcalfe team is looking forward to working on this restoration project and we are proud to be part of the wider regeneration of Kidderminster. We are also progressing well as the main contractor on the Kidderminster Town Hall transformation."

The council's purchase of the Piano historic building, which was built as a wool warehouse by Brintons in 1867, has been funded through the Government £17.9 million Levelling Up Fund grant for Kidderminster.

The site was previously home to Birmingham Metropolitan College's Kidderminster Academy, which closed in 2019.