Working with Arts Business Consultants, BFF developed a proposal for Wyre Forest District Council, for the refurbishment and remodelling of the Former Carpet Weaving Factory, to provide a new financially sustainable use for the vacant listed buildings. BFF’s project will restore the former carpet factory, partially converted to a Magistrates Court courthouse in 1971 and then abandoned in 2002. This includes the conservation of over 3,000 sq ft of cast iron structures in the former Weaving Sheds.

This former carpet factory was built in 1878 and designed by architect JG Bland a prominent and influential architect particularly within the context of Kidderminster’s carpet industry. The site is unique as to the rear of the office building is an almost intact, north lit, saw tooth roofed weaving shed. This roof is supported on cast-iron columns and fish belly tie beams by F Bradley of Kidderminster that widen in profile towards the centre for greater strength. There are not many surviving examples of this type of building, and it is hidden from the street front.

Plans for the site transform the space into a new community, cultural and creative hub. The project will provide a range of flexible work, performance and production spaces and co- working areas in the main buildings and historic former weaving sheds. It will provide creative and ‘maker space’ equipped with technology to accelerate research & innovation, application, and adoption in key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and the creative industries. The venue will support artistic and creative performance and develop a base of local young talent equipped with the skills needed in a 21st century digitised economy.

The historic Grade II Listed buildings are being retained, refurbished, and revealed, giving them a sustainable future, as an integral part of the vision, supported by carefully designed new interventions which reference the Town’s Heritage. The project is designed to create a focal point for town centre revival and a regional investment destination focused on the creative, digital and tech sectors. The BFF scheme helped the town secure £20m from the government backed Future High Streets Fund (FHSF).