Block 16 Canalside

This is a unique historical area, which includes the Stourbridge Branch Canal Conservation Area and the Bonded Warehouse. It forms the focus of many canal-based activities and events. The area suffers from being isolated from the Town Centre by the Ring Road and needs to be better linked to the Town, both to add to and benefit from its revitalisation. The River Stour runs through the area but is hidden from view by the existing buildings. This needs to be opened up and exploited as a feature.

 

It’s changing character and close proximity to the Town Centre suggests a potential for mixed uses along the canal and river. These should be specifically linked to canal- based uses and not be activities that would be more appropriate in the Town Centre itself.

 

There are vacant premises awaiting redevelopment, which provide an opportunity to open up the river and introduce an attractive waterside environment. Redevelopment could introduce residential uses to the area but this would need careful consideration in terms of access and the impact of surrounding uses and address the potential for the re-use of appropriate buildings. Guidance will be given in the form of a development brief.