Redditch

Redditch is a local government district in north-east Worcestershire, within the West Midlands region. The district is centred on the town of Redditch, which was designated a new town in 1964 and expanded to accommodate population growth. The built area combines a compact town centre with residential neighbourhoods framed by belts of public open space and woodland. Local governance is provided by Redditch Borough Council and the town retains light industry and business parks alongside retail and service sectors.

The town centre includes the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and pedestrianised streets leading to civic buildings and community facilities. Arrow Valley Country Park sits within the district and provides lakes, walking routes and sailing opportunities on the reservoir. Forge Mill Needle Museum, beside the river, interprets the area’s long association with water-powered needle manufacture and the wider needle and fishing tackle trades that once linked Redditch to global markets. Redditch railway station forms the southern terminus of the Cross-City Line, giving direct rail services into Birmingham.