UNSEEN artist's impressions show what the old Rock Works carpet factory in Kidderminster will look like once it's turned into apartments.
CGI images of the Park Lane site show how the now-derelict factory will be extended upwards to create a fourth storey, while maintaining the well-recognised sawtooth roof.
Much of the historic features of the building will be retained, including the existing windows and an upper-floor archway where the building was once connected by a bridge to the Park Wharf buildings opposite - where Matalan now stands.
Plans to turn the former Carpet Manufacturing Company site into 22 two-bedroom apartments were approved by Wyre Forest District Council's Planning Committee on Tuesday night.
During the meeting, committee members raised concerns that no car parking was included in the scheme, however the council's development manager said a suggestion for parking underneath the flats was considered dangerous from a Highways perspective due to insufficient visibility exiting the building.
Committee members voted to approve the plans, subject to the signing of a Section 106 Agreement and conditions.
Kidderminster builder Rob Whitehouse, the developer behind the plans, said he hoped Highways would reconsider their stance on the undercroft parking.
The development is expected to take three years to complete at an estimated cost of between £1.5 to £2 million.
A separate planning application is being submitted to close off the alleyway and steps at the side of the building, leading up to Hill Street, which Mr Whitehouse says is a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.
Read more:
- Plans to turn old Kidderminster carpet factory into flats approved
- Photos show what derelict Kidderminster carpet factory looks like inside
The plans include erecting iron gates at the bottom of the steps, incorporating a carpet loom to commemorate the building's history.
A network of tunnels beneath the Rock Works, which are said to have been used as air raid shelters during the war, will be opened to the public for school trips.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel