Industrial Heritage

The historic origins of Redditch date back to the 12th Century when Cistercian Monks built an Abbey at Bordesley in the Valley of the River Arrow.

The earliest reference to the Borough's industrial origins date back to 1639 when a variety of cottage industries grew within the town with needle-making emerging to dominate the area. Via the river Arrow, Redditch had a vital link to water power and was the first area to use this energy source for needle pointing and polishing. By the 19th century, Redditch led the field in needle production and the industry began to diversify into the manufacture of fishing tackle. Other metal based trades such as cycle and spring manufacturing also grew in importance. The growth of these trades encouraged people to live and work in Redditch and the population grew proportionately during the early 20th century, from 13,943 in 1901 to 32,000 by 1964.

In 1964, Redditch was designated as a New Town to help relieve overcrowding in the West Midlands Conurbation. In addition to several new housing estates, major industrial estates were built at Washford, Moons Moat and Park Farm. These new industrial estates were constructed with the aim of ensuring sufficient employment opportunities to sustain the growing population, providing a sound basis for the development of the town.

Redditch’s transport network was developed to ensure integration of all forms of transport, and to provide a free flowing road system. New Town development also included major landscaping works such as the 900 acre Arrow Valley Park, now home to the £1 million Countryside Centre, and the planting of more than two million trees. This sympathetic landscaping has made Redditch a surprisingly green urban environment.

From its historic origins, Redditch has grown into a successful town with around 80,000 residents and a workforce of around 40,000. Redditch has an enviable reputation as a prime business location, and is home to a dynamic and entrepreneurial business base. The proportion of employment in manufacturing is twice the national average, although this is gradually shifting as the economic base continues to diversify.

There are a large number of overseas companies established in the town such as AT&T, Marubeni-Komatsu and Uno Medical. Redditch provides the headquarters location for companies such as GKN, Halfords and The Law Society.

Redditch is currently going through its greatest development stage since being designated a New Town in 1964. The town centre is being successfully revitalised and there are exciting plans for future leisure and entertainment facilities.

In essence, Redditch is geared up to meet the demands of today’s fast moving businesses; the right location, outstanding communications, clean, spacious and dynamic.