Business

Droitwich Spa Place Board

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Droitwich Spa Place Board has been created to help deliver the vision and strategic objectives of Droitwich Spa 's Investment Prospectus.

The board is independent of Wychavon but is accountable to our Executive Board.

It operates on an impartial and non-political basis to research, consider and make recommendations to Wychavon and other bodies, as appropriate, in order to further improve Droitwich Spa.

The Place Board is made up of people with a passion for their place from the business and community sectors. All members are volunteers and have been chosen because of their knowledge and professional backgrounds.

What has the Place Board delivered?

Since Droitwich Spa Place Board was established in July 2022, it has:

Supported The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival with Rik Mayall’s Comedy Emporium artwork and subsequent children’s trail dubbed ‘The Mayall Trail’, which paved the way for a line of festival merchandise and pop-up shop, working with Wychavon, the festival organisers, and Milan Illustrator. As well as arranging a high street event in support of festival.
Delivered and consulted on three street art installations alongside Wychavon, including: ‘Vivid Memories’ opposite the train station, ‘Tides of Time’ on 8 High Street and ‘For the love of Droitwich Spa’ on 19 High St.
Led the consultation for and supported the opening of Droitwich Banking Hub in collaboration with Droitwich Spa Town Council.
Spearheaded ‘The Health Corridor’ project in collaboration with Wychavon, which resulted in canal towpath, wayfinding and biodiversity improvements, a sculpted entrance feature at Coney Meadow and decorative bird viewing panel.
Installed festoon lights and a floral aerial display above high street and later extended these from the High Street through to Tower Hill.
Recommended installing solar lighting in Vines Park & Lido Park which was supported by Wychavon.
Installed decorative tourism-centred lamppost banners.
Supported clean-up of Tower Hill building ready for Heritage Centre-led tours (coming 2026).
Organised seven Bike Night events in the High Street (with more planned).
Hosted a Christmas themed event in High Street in 2025 working with Droitwich Friends and Businesses CIC.
Delivered ‘Santa’s Post Box’ initiative in collaboration with local businesses, whereby a post box was situated in the High Street for children to post their letters to Santa. Nicol & Co supported with responses and Wychavon supported by funding the associated window art.
Installed ‘Droitwich Spa in Days Gone By’ temporary historical photo window wrap, working with Droitwich Heritage Centre.
Launched Business Front Improvement Grant with Wychavon providing funding to seven town centre businesses.
Developed Lido project including providing feedback on proposals and supported with community consultation drop-in.
Supported Wychavon’s ‘Droitwich in Bloom Trail’ in 2024 with window dressing competition.
Consulted on the car park extension at Leisure Centre.
Began the Park Run process.

What’s planned for the future?

Delivering improvements to the tourism fingerpost signage following Wychavon’s Access and Signage Audit.
Improving heritage interpretation boards in collaboration with Droitwich Spa Heritage Centre.
Landscaping improvements in Gurney’s Lane.
Park Run anticipated to begin, subject to availability of funding for path improvements in Lido Park.

Who’s on the Place Board?

Gemma Ranford

Gemma is the council’s Place Projects Officer for Droitwich Spa. Her job is to support the place board by delivering creative place-making initiatives, physical regeneration projects, tourism campaigns, and business support. She has a background in digital marketing and project management.

Richard Morris

Richard spent 26 years in the private sector covering various senior marketing positions, and 15 years in higher education as head of A levels and as a lecturer in business and research.

Richard has extensive experience in the public sector having been a Town Councillor since 1999 and District and County Councillor. He is currently the Leader of Wychavon District Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Environment. His previous roles have included: Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Chairman of Wychavon, Deputy Leader, and Executive Portfolio Holder for Communities, Housing and Economy.

Mark Keld

Mark is the Town Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer for Droitwich Spa Town Council. He has spent five years in role and 12 years in Local Government. Prior to that, 26 years continuous career tenure with a major bank in the retail financial sector- covering all branch, area and regional network management roles and responsibilities.

Where can I find more information?

Please read our pdf Terms of Reference (116 KB) for information on Droitwich Spa Place Board’s structure. You can find a meeting summary for each of our meetings below and we’ll update this web page with new projects when they are completed.