Deal secured for the demolition of Crown House

Wyre Forest District Council and Telereal Trillium have both put pen to paper on a deal that clears the way for the demolition of Crown House in Kidderminster Town Centre by the end of next year.

In November 2018, an announcement was made by the council that the deal had been put ‘on hold’ after Telereal Trillium successfully applied to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to have Crown House taken off the ratings list. This meant they no longer had to pay any business rates on the building.

However, following constructive dialogue between the council and Telereal Trillium a deal has been agreed and signed by both parties.

The agreement will see Telereal Trillium surrender its long term lease on the building and, with the consent of the council as freeholder, demolish the 1970s eight storey concrete building within 18 months.

The majority of Crown House has been vacant for a number of years with the last tenant vacating in 2016 and the building has become unpopular with local residents, as an unsightly town centre landmark and obstacle to re-development and regeneration opportunities.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to continue our discussions and secure a deal without cost to the public purse as I have always maintained that must come first in reaching any deal. The demolition of the building is a big step in the right direction for the town and its future.”

Jonny Pitts, Planning & Disposals Director at Telereal Trillium said:

“The property has been a financial liability to Telereal Trillium and we are pleased to be in a position to now remove that liability through a demolition project. Separately, by completing the demolition we appreciate the positive impact that this will have to Wyre Forest District Council and the people of Kidderminster. I am pleased to confirm that we have identified a demolition contractor and will be on site this Spring."

Councillor Chris Rogers, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning said:

“The removal of Crown House will continue the work the council has undertaken to transform the town; in partnership the council has leveraged about £10m of investment into the town when you add up the public realm improvements, the works to Worcester Street, the rail station improvements and the plans for Lion Fields.”

Councillor Helen Dyke, Member Champion for Place said:

“This is great news for the businesses and retailers in the town and I’m sure will be universally welcomed, it is a great opportunity to revitalise the Bullring area as a key gateway into the town.”