Worcestershire
‘Mark Two’ New Town – Designated 10 April 1964
Redditch was already a market town of notable size when in 1964 it was designated as the second New Town (after Telford) aimed at relieving overcrowding in the West Midlands conurbation. It was designed to accommodate around 33,000 people (mainly from Birmingham) over a period of 15 years, with the existing town forming the nucleus of the New Town. Redditch was one of the first New Towns with a distinctive emphasis on public transport rather than the private car. It developed largely as the masterplan envisaged. Today, the New Town accounts for 50% of the borough area and 93% of its population. The emerging Local Plan recognises the influence of Redditch’s New Town status on its transport networks, open space, economy, and local distinctiveness.
Key facts:
- Location: 23 kilometres south of Birmingham.
- 2011 Census population: 84,214, in 34,722 households.
- Local authority: Redditch Borough Council.
- Local Plan status: The Borough of Redditch Local Plan No.4 (adopted January 2017).
New Town designation:
- Designated: 10 April 1964.
- Designated area: 2,914 hectares.
- Intended population: 70,000, revised to 90,000 (population at designation: 32,000).
- Development Corporation: Designated to relieve congestion and provide housing and employment for people in the Birmingham area. The Development Corporation aimed to enable residents to work in the town; provide social and commercial facilities; integrate existing and proposed development; provide open space for recreation and amenity; and develop to a high standard of layout and design. Development Corporation wound up 31 March 1985.
Figures taken from Redditch ‘5 minute’ fact sheet – TCPA New Towns and Garden Cities, Lessons for Tomorrow research, available here.
Council website:
https://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/
Information about regeneration:
https://www.oneltd.com/project/redditch-town-centre/
Local museums and archives:
The Redditch Virtual Museum and Heritage Archives: https://www.rvmha.info/RHO-On/RVM/RVM/rvm-frame-nt.html
Photo Credits: Halton Borough Council
