05/06/2026
We’re aware of social media posts shared this week about the former Crown House site in Kidderminster and the Future High Streets Fund, and we want to provide some clarity.
Kidderminster was awarded £20.5 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund in December 2020. Since then, the funding has supported major regeneration projects as part of the wider Kidderminster 2040 vision, including the restoration of the former Magistrates Court into The Old Court and Weaving Sheds - now a hub for creativity, businesses and events - and the creation of Talbot Park, a new public green space on Worcester Street which opened earlier this month.
Several redevelopment options for Crown House have been explored, but none have yet proved financially viable. Our ambition remains to see the site redeveloped in the future.
In the meantime, pending private investor involvement, the site continues to operate as a well-used public car park. We are now submitting a planning application to continue this use for a further five years, in line with planning requirements for the site.
We also want to make clear that the council is not “sitting on” unused Future High Streets Fund money. The full allocation has been spent on delivering the projects above in line with the grant application criteria, so the assertation that the “WFDC has £4m left of the Future High Street Fund (FHSF)” is completely incorrect.
The council remains committed to delivering the Kidderminster 2040 Vision through responsible, sustainable investment that supports the town’s future.