A retail giant is moving into Kidderminster, bringing a £1million boost to the Wyre Forest economy and at least 200 jobs. Debenhams will move into the historic Slingfield Mill in Weavers Wharf retail park, sharing the grade II listed building with an upmarket hotel.

The scheme involves a £500,000 refurbishment of the late 1800s building and any works will have to be in keeping with the structure's current appearance. Another £500,000 will go into a new hotel designed to bridge a shortfall in high-end accommodation in the town centre.

The fashion giant, which already has stores in Worcester and Redditch, has signed a 15 year lease with the buildings owners, Henderson Global Investors. There are no are no new plans for extra car parking spaces, with customers having to use the existing car park. Peter Picken, Town Centre Partnership chairman, said "For years, we have been talking about how the town needed a quality department store. We are delighted Debenhams has decided to move into Kidderminster. I'm sure this will encourage shoppers to stay local and visitors to come to the town".
Mr Picken was "hopeful" the plan would see a quick take-up of the currently unoccupied Piano Building, nearby.

The Kidderminster move follows talks between Debenhams, Henderson and Wyre Forest District Council. Stephen Clee, Conservative Wyre Forest District Council cabinet member for planning, regeneration and prosperity, said the lease signing was a "milestone" in Kidderminster's development.

He said "It's another link in the regeneration of the town and is all for the good of the economy. There'll be a couple of hundred jobs created by the opening of these two establishments and hundreds in construction and design". Plans have been submitted to the council, with building and painstaking conservation work taking at least nine months to finish.