The old carpet factories which were part of life for many in the Wyre Forest area, were mainly Victorian North light buildings constructed at a time when workers put up with whatever conditions they had to, in order to earn a living.

Many of the factories had little by way of heating and insulation had not been invented. This resulted in the working conditions for many being very basic, linked with the noise generated by looms and flights in the atmosphere, making working life bearable, but not pleasant.

Around the district thankfully very few of these old factories remain and the historic way in which carpets were manufactured has gone into the history books. The carpet factory sites have either been redeveloped with retail or residential and since the late 1970’s more modern factory premises have been built.

The emergence of more modern factory premises appeared at Oldington, Stourport road, Kidderminster and then in the 1980’s at Hoo Brook and Hoo Farm. These more modern constructions have considerably raised working conditions and nowadays centrally heated and air conditioned factories are more common.

Much of these changes have been brought about through legislation involving building construction and health and safety regulations. The standard of industrial property now determines its value whether for rental or sale and this trend is likely to continue even more in future.

Environmental issues have become even more important, not just for residential properties but also industrial buildings. In the 1950’s much of Kidderminster town centre was flooded by the river Stour and it was accepted that working days would be lost whilst carpet factories were flooded. Flood prevention works on the river Stour have now alleviated the risk of flooding.

Following the wettest winter for years, development on flood plains and high water tables are environmental issues, which if the climate continues to change will become even more important for new industrial developments.

Airborne pollution can also impact on property values and in some cases it is becoming evident that building insurers load premiums in areas where recycling plants have been established following a number of fires, not just in this area but nationwide. Again this impacts on values and some may be deterred from renting or purchasing properties which are in close proximity to recycling plants and incinerators.

Changes also need to happen in town centres as high un-occupancy rates continue and some retail property values have plummeted as prospects of occupancy do not improve.

The long term redevelopment of empty retail premises may be the only option as shopping trends continue to change particularly with internet shopping and towns like Bewdley and Stourport which have tourist appeal are largely unaffected. What a change in only 50 years and the likelihood of further changes as new property is built, will help shape the district for coming years.

Improvements in the sales of commercial properties are now clearly evident and all sectors retail, industrial and commercial are showing signs of improvement, although sadly not Kidderminster town centre.