Droitwich set for cracking 2025 as Place Board works to promote town to the wider world
The Chairman of Droitwich Spa Place Board has signalled bigger and better projects are on their way for the town in 2025.
Reflecting on a successful 2024, Matt Nicol said he was keen to encourage the people of Droitwich to get behind the board over the next 12 months and help promote a positive image of the town to the wider world.
“We are really proud of the impact Droitwich Spa Place Board has had in 2024, and we want everyone to feel that they are sharing in the success and progress of the town,” he said.
“It’s important that the community feel they are involved and can collaborate and feed into the continuing development of Droitwich as a great place to live and work.”
The Place Board was created by Wychavon to drive the vision in the Droitwich Spa Town Centre Investment Prospectus. Place boards have also been created in Evesham and Pershore. All three are backed with funding from Wychavon’s allocation of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
As well as delivering local projects, they act as key stakeholders in developing and delivering some of Wychavon’s big strategic projects.
In Droitwich, the Place Board has worked closely in partnership with Wychavon’s Economic Development team to develop the proposal for the redevelopment of Droitwich Spa Lido. Wychavon is backing the plan with an investment of £8 million. The project will cement the town’s reputation as a national destination for leisure and wellbeing.
Mr Nicol, who is also managing director of county estate agents Nicol & Co, said: “We’re committed to supporting Wychavon’s vision for enhancing our town for both residents and visitors. The lido project is a result of significant effort and collaboration from many groups, including Save Our Brine Baths and Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido, to create something we can all truly take pride in.”
Some of the other projects Droitwich Spa Place Board has been involved with this year include:
- Installation of festoon lighting in the High Street
- Flower garlands
- Business Front Improvement Grant, which has improved three shops since August, with more in the pipeline
- Solar lights in Lido Park
- Bike night in October, with more than 200 bikers in the High Street enjoying the festoon lighting. Another event is planned for April 2025
- Festoon lighting extension
- History mural installation
Mr Nicol said the festoon lighting in the High Street was a great example of the community working together – shining a light on Droitwich.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the Place Board, the shop owners, landlords and everyone involved. Our team came together to increase the festoon lighting at the request of the shops near the entrance from the Worcester Road.
“It’s exciting to see our community shine. And there’s even more to come in 2025 including the Health Corridor, improvements to Tower Hill, street art projects and much, much more!”
Cllr Richard Morris, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Economy and Tourism and a member of Droitwich Spa Place Board, said: “We have three great Place Boards led by three great Chairs who are bringing a motivation and passion for our towns. With Wychavon’s support they are delivering real benefits and people can see positive change starting to happen.
“In Droitwich Spa, the festoon lighting is a great example of a project that for years we were told for was impossible due to health and safety concerns, but by harnessing the connections and knowledge of local people with a passion for their place, it’s now a reality.
“The board has also added real value to the development of the proposal for Droitwich Spa Lido and I look forward to working with them, and our other boards, on the many exciting projects planned for our towns in 2025.”
To find out more about the work of all three boards visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/town-centres.