Multimillion-pound revamp could create 170 jobs

About 170 jobs could be created as part of a major redevelopment of a former market hall in Worcestershire, according to council chiefs.

Nailers Yard in Bromsgrove is set for completion in the autumn, after the development was hit by several months of delays.

Bromsgrove District Council said the site would create a "range of employment opportunities" in a "high quality" town centre work and leisure destination.

The local authority also said it was still interested in hearing from businesses that were interested in taking up a unit.

Nailers Yard, which was named following a public vote, will replace the old Birdbox, a temporary open-air "pop-up" space.

It will include a commercial building featuring food and drink businesses, as well as what the council calls "premium" office space, and a second building with an open-plan floor for exhibitions, markets and general community use.

It was originally slated for completion at the start of this year, before being pushed back to May, due to complications around the building works.

Bosses said despite missing the May target, it was "progressing nicely", with completion now set for the autumn.

The costs have risen from an original estimate of £10m to £15m over recent years, with most of the money coming from government levelling-up funding.

The council said 50% of the office space was under offer with a commercial firm, and viewings were ongoing for the rest of the site.

A spokesperson said Nailers Yard was a "strong example of how the council is bringing forward brownfield land to support economic activity and high-quality placemaking".

It said despite delays "to works outside the control of the council", the project continued to "progress nicely" and was within the overall budget of £15.7m.

"It's expected the development will create a range of employment opportunities, contributing to the vitality of Bromsgrove – not least with the creation of circa 172 jobs," they added.

Tree-lined public open space, outdoor seating and new landscaping will also form part of the site.

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