Editing Redditch

{{more footnotes|date=December 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2012}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Redditch
| native_name              = <!-- if different from the English name -->
| settlement_type          = Town and [[Borough status in the United Kingdom|borough]]
| total_type               = [[Non-metropolitan district|District]]
| motto                    = REDDITE DEO<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/council/the-council/borough-crest.aspx|website=Redditch Borough Council|title=Borough Crest|date=11 August 2021}}</ref>
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| image_skyline            = {{multiple image
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 | image1       = Church_Green_East,_Redditch_-_geograph.org.uk_-_2132059.jpg
 | image2       = Parish_Church_of_St._Stephen,_Church_Green_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1953607.jpg
 | image3       = Arrow_Valley_Lake_-_geograph.org.uk_-_6953264.jpg
 | image4       = Forge_Mill_Needle_Museum_-_geograph.org.uk_-_2680812.jpg
 | image5       = Redditch_Cloverleaf.jpg
}}
| imagesize                = 
| image_alt               = Montage of Redditch landmarks including Church Green East and Arrow Valley Lake
| image_caption           = {{ubl|From left to right:|Top: Church Green East|Middle: Parish Church of St Stephen & Arrow Valley Lake|Bottom: Forge Mill Needle Museum & Redditch Cloverleaf Interchange}}
| pushpin_map              = Worcestershire
| pushpin_map_caption      = Location in Worcestershire
| pushpin_label_position   = top
| pushpin_mapsize          = 250
| coordinates              = {{coord|52.3|-1.933333|type:city_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type         = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name         = [[United Kingdom]]
| subdivision_type1        = [[Countries of the United Kingdom|Constituent country]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[England]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[Regions of England|Region]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]]
| subdivision_type3        = [[Ceremonial County]]
| subdivision_name3        = [[Worcestershire]]
| subdivision_type4        = [[Districts of England|District]]
| subdivision_name4        = Redditch
| seat_type                = [[List of United Kingdom Parliament constituencies|UK Parliament]]
| seat                     = [[Redditch (UK Parliament constituency)|Redditch]]
| seat1_type               = [[Districts of England|District]]
| seat1                    = Redditch
| government_footnotes     = 
| government_type          = Non-metropolitan district council
| governing_body           = [[Redditch Borough Council]]
| leader_party             = 
| leader_title             = 
| leader_name              = 
| leader_title1            = 
| leader_name1             = 
| leader_title2            = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]]
| leader_name2             = [[Chris Bloore]] ([[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]])
| leader_title3            = 
| leader_name3             = 
| leader_title4            = 
| leader_name4             = 
| established_title        = [[New towns in the United Kingdom|New Town]] status
| established_date         = 10 April 1964
| established_title1       = Borough status
| established_date1        = 15 May 1980
| established_title2       = 
| established_date2        = 
| established_title3       = 
| established_date3        = 
| founder                  = 
| named_for                = 
| area_magnitude           = 
| unit_pref                = 
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="area">{{United Kingdom district population citation|area}}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = {{English district area|GSS=E07000236}}
| area_rank                = {{English district area rank|GSS=E07000236}}
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| area_blank1_km2          = 
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| elevation_footnotes      = 
| elevation_m              = 130
| elevation_ft             = 
| elevation_min_m          = 
| elevation_min_ft         = 
| population_as_of         = {{United Kingdom statistics year}}
| population_footnotes     = <ref name="population">{{United Kingdom district population citation|England}}</ref>
| population_total         = {{English district population|GSS=E07000236}}
| population_rank          = {{English district rank|GSS=E07000236}}
| population_density_km2   = {{English district density|GSS=E07000236}}
| population_urban_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |title=Towns and cities, characteristics of built-up areas, England and Wales: Census 2021 |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/townsandcitiescharacteristicsofbuiltupareasenglandandwales/census2021 |website=Census 2021 |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=8 August 2023}}</ref>
| population_urban         = 81,635
| demographics_type1       = Ethnicity <span style="font-weight:normal;">([[2021 United Kingdom census|2021]])</span>
| demographics1_footnotes  = <ref name="2021 Nomis">{{NOMIS2021|id=E07000236|title=Redditch Local Authority|access-date=5 January 2024}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1     = [[Ethnic groups in the United Kingdom|Ethnic groups]]
| demographics1_info1      =
 {{Collapsible list
 | 89.8% [[White people in the United Kingdom|White]]
 | 5.7% [[British Asians|Asian]]
 | 2.6% [[Mixed (United Kingdom ethnicity category)|Mixed]]
 | 1.2% [[Black British people|Black]]
 | 0.6% [[Ethnic groups in the United Kingdom|other]]
 }}
| demographics_type2       = Religion <span style="font-weight:normal;">(2021)</span>
| demographics2_footnotes  = <ref name="2021 Nomis"/>
| demographics2_title1     = [[Religion in England|Religion]]
| demographics2_info1      = 
 {{Collapsible list
 | 48.9% [[Religion in England#Christianity|Christianity]]
 | 40% [[Irreligion in the United Kingdom|no religion]]
 | 4.2% [[Islam in England|Islam]]
 | 0.4% [[Hinduism in England|Hinduism]]
 | 0.1% [[History of the Jews in England|Judaism]]
 | 0.4% [[Sikhism in England|Sikhism]]
 | 0.2% [[Buddhism in England|Buddhism]]
 | 0.4% [[Religion in England|other]]
 | 5.5% not stated
 }} 
| timezone                 = GMT
| postal_code_type         = [[Postcodes in the United Kingdom|Postcodes]]
| postal_code              = B96, B97, B98
| postal2_code_type        = [[Post town]]
| postal2_code             = {{Smallcaps|redditch}}
| area_code_type           = [[Telephone numbers in the United Kingdom|Dialling code]]
| area_code                = 01527
| blank1_name              = [[ONS coding system|ONS code]]
| blank1_info              = 47UD (ONS)<br />E07000236 (GSS)
| website                  = {{URL|http://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/}}
}}
'''Redditch''' is a town and [[non-metropolitan district]] with [[Borough status in the United Kingdom|borough status]] in [[Worcestershire]], England. It is located south of [[Birmingham]], east of [[Bromsgrove]], north-west of [[Alcester]] and north-east of [[Worcester, England|Worcester]]. In 2021, the town had a population of 81,637<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/westmidlands/worcestershire/E63003268__redditch/|title=Redditch|publisher=City Population|accessdate=6 October 2024}}</ref> and the district had a population of 87,037. In the 1800s, it became a centre for the [[Sewing needle|needle]] and [[Fish hook|fishing tackle industry]]; by the end of the century,
90% of the world's needles were manufactured in the town and its surrounding areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forgemill.org.uk/ |title=Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, Redditch |publisher=Forge Mill Needle Museum |access-date=2014-02-28}}</ref>

In the 1960s, it became part of the [[new town]] planning movement which included it expanding into neighbouring villages and hamlets surrounding the town. It is the second largest settlement in Worcestershire, after Worcester.

==History==
{{See also|History of Worcestershire}}
[[File:Redditch 004.jpg|thumb|Commemorative pavement plaque in Alcester Street]]
The first recorded mention of Redditch (''La Rededich'', thought to be a reference to the red clay of the nearby [[River Arrow, Worcestershire|River Arrow]]) is in 1348,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Anstis |first1=Gordon |title=Redditch: Success in the Heart of England |date=1985 |publisher=Publications for Companies |location=Stevenage |isbn=0904928195 |page=1}}</ref> the year of the outbreak of the [[Black Death]]. During the [[Middle Ages]], it became a centre of [[Sewing needle|needle]]-making and later prominent industries were fish-hooks, fishing tackle, motorcycles and [[spring (device)|springs]], the last of which was notably undertaken by Herbert Terry and Sons. Redditch was designated a [[New towns in the United Kingdom|new town]] on 10 April 1964,<ref name="New Town 1964">{{London Gazette|issue=43296|page=3202|date=14 April 1964}}</ref> and the population increased dramatically from 32,000 in 1964 to over 70,000 by 1984.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Land |first1=Neville |title=The History of Redditch and The Locality |date=1986 |publisher=K.A.F. Brewin Books |location=Studley, Warwickshire |isbn=0947731180 |page=97 |edition=Third}}</ref> Housing developments such as [[Districts of Redditch|Church Hill, Matchborough, Winyates, Greenlands, and Woodrow]] were created to accommodate a large overspill from the industrially expanding Birmingham. Redditch was built as a "flagship" town using new methods and new town planning: all the main roads (mostly new dual carriageways as well as a ring road for the town centre) were banked to reduce noise to the new housing estates, and the whole of Redditch was landscaped. [[Historic counties of England|Historically]], much of present-day Redditch was located within [[Warwickshire]], but it is now in its entirety administered as a part of Worcestershire.

By the 21st century, needle-making and other traditional industries had been replaced by modern light industry and services, with Redditch also functioning as a [[dormitory town]] for Birmingham. The automotive retailer [[Halfords]] and engineering company [[GKN]] both have their headquarters in Redditch. Manufacturer of precious metal contacts, Samuel Taylor Ltd, has manufacturing plants within the town. Following the redevelopment of the flagship [[Kingfisher Shopping Centre]] in 2002, Redditch is undergoing an economic and cultural renaissance.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

The town is home to several historical sites. The [[Forge Mill Needle Museum]] and the ruins of [[Bordesley Abbey]] are located in the north of the town, and the remains of a medieval moated settlement called [[Districts of Redditch#Moons Moat|Moons Moat]] are within the Church Hill estate.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Moons Moat|url=http://redditchhistory.com/er_ph_mm.htm|access-date=2021-07-06|website=redditchhistory.com}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE|desc=Moated site known as Moon's Moat|num=1019855|accessdate=2021-07-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=http://www.moonsmoatconservation.info/|access-date=2021-07-06|website=www.moonsmoatconservation.info}}</ref>

==Governance==
{{main|Redditch Borough Council}}
There are two main tiers of local government covering Redditch, at [[non-metropolitan district|district]] and [[non-metropolitan county|county]] level: [[Redditch Borough Council]] and [[Worcestershire County Council]]. The borough council is based at [[Redditch Town Hall]] on Walter Stranz Square, which was purpose-built for the council and opened in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://hip.rvmha.info/HIP-NEW/HIP-NEW-09.pdf|title=Facts and history of Redditch|access-date=8 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tl.rvmha.info/rvm-on-line-tl-nt-index.html|title=New Town Development Events|access-date=8 February 2021}}</ref>

The borough contains just one [[civil parish]] at [[Feckenham]], in the more rural south-western part of the borough. The rest of the borough is an [[unparished area]].<ref name=electionmaps>{{cite web |title=Election Maps |url=https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/election-maps/gb/ |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=9 January 2023}}</ref>

The [[Redditch (UK Parliament constituency)|parliamentary constituency of Redditch]] is represented by [[Chris Bloore]] of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], elected at the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]].

==Geography==
Redditch is south of the [[West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]] urban area. It is north of [[Evesham]] on the [[A435 road|A435]], which skirts it to the east. The main access routes are the [[A441 road|A441]] via junction 2 of the [[M42 motorway|M42 Motorway]], the [[A435 road|A435]] from junction 3 of the M42 and the [[A448 road|A448]] via junctions 4 or 5 of the [[M5 motorway|M5]]. The [[Roman Road]] known as [[Icknield Street]] is prominent, running north to south through the eastern side of the town.

===Districts of Redditch===
The Borough of Redditch is divided into several districts. To the south and east of the town are "New Town Districts" built in the 1970s and 1980s. To the west of the Borough are older "Former Village Districts" that dominate the south and west, such as [[Webheath]] and [[Districts_of_Redditch#Headless_Cross|Headless Cross]].

See: [[Districts of Redditch]]

Since 2011, Redditch has participated in the [[Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership]] along with neighbouring authorities [[Birmingham City Council|Birmingham]], [[Bromsgrove District|Bromsgrove]], [[Cannock Chase District|Cannock Chase]], [[East Staffordshire]], [[Lichfield District|Lichfield]], [[Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council|Solihull]], [[Tamworth, Staffordshire|Tamworth]] and [[Wyre Forest District|Wyre Forest]].

===Green belt===
{{further|West Midlands Green Belt}}
Redditch is within a [[Green belt (United Kingdom)|green belt]] region that extends into the wider surrounding counties, and is in place to reduce [[urban sprawl]], prevent further convergence between the towns surrounding the West Midlands conurbations of Birmingham and Coventry, protect the identity of outlying communities, encourage [[brownfield]] reuse and preserve nearby countryside. This is achieved by restricting inappropriate development within the designated areas, and imposing stricter conditions on permitted building.<ref name="belt">{{cite web|title=A Study of Green Belt Land & Areas of Development Restraint within Redditch Borough|url=http://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/media/730976/PDCS1main-report.pdf|website=redditchbc.gov.uk}}</ref>

The main urban area up to the Webheath, Walkwood, and Hunt End suburbs, Astwood Bank, and the southernmost extent of the borough are exempt from the green belt area, bar small adjacent green belt 'wedges', but surrounding smaller villages, hamlets and rural areas such as Feckenham, Littleworth, Old Yarr and Ham Green up to the B4090 Salt Way road are 'washed over' by the designation. The green belt was first drawn up under [[Worcestershire County Council]], and the size in the borough in 2017 amounted to some {{convert|1800|ha|km2+sqmi}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Green belt statistics - GOV.UK|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/green-belt-statistics|website=gov.uk|date=16 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Redditch Green Belt Release to meet Growth Needs|url=http://www.redditchbc.gov.uk/media/733023/Redditch-Green-Belt-Study-Jan-2013.pdf|website=redditchbc.gov.uk}}</ref>

==Transport==
The [[M42 motorway]] is a short drive away and it is linked by dual carriageways and A-class roads to surrounding towns such as [[Bromsgrove]] and [[Evesham, Worcestershire|Evesham]]. There are regular bus services to Bromsgrove, [[Kidderminster]], [[Studley, Warwickshire|Studley]] and [[Stratford-upon-Avon]].

===Railway===
[[Redditch railway station]] is one of the southern termini of the [[Cross-City Line]], and provides a regular train service to {{rws|Four Oaks}} via {{rws|Birmingham New Street}}, which serves to {{rws|Lichfield Trent Valley}} on Sundays.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Cross City Line |url=https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/media/5262/download?inline |website=West Midlands Railway |access-date=5 May 2025}}</ref> The station, and all trains serving it, are operated by [[West Midlands Trains|West Midlands Railway]].

Redditch railway station was first opened as the terminus of the Redditch Railway on 19 September 1859, alongside what is now Clive Road. This first station stayed until 4 May 1868 when the last section from [[Alcester]] to Redditch of the Redditch and Evesham Railway was closed, at which point a second station was built alongside the junction of Bromsgrove Road and Plymouth Road. This station was provided with a standard Midland Railway design and two platforms. The current station was built in 1993.

===Buses===
[[File:Redditch Bus Station 1996.jpg|thumb|The former Redditch Bus Station, {{circa|1996}}]]
There is an extensive network of local bus services run by [[Diamond West Midlands]] and other operators (including [[Stagecoach Midlands|Stagecoach]] and a community run bus). Most services run from the bus station in the town centre, a postcard of which was voted Britain's most boring postcard in a competition run by the photographer [[Martin Parr]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Judd |first1=Alan |title=PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions |date=1 April 2017 |publisher=The Oldie |page=3 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-oldie/20170401/283338997121065?srsltid=AfmBOorirMa3bFp4FLdNRJ7smDH2qqQiDcM5yQ8JzrZE-EJLuVuCrnIC |access-date=20 March 2025}}</ref> The bus station was rebuilt as part of the 2002 shopping centre expansion.

Some areas of Redditch have dedicated bus routes; however, there have been issues with safety on these routes and three children have died over the past 15 years.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

===Road system===
Redditch is occasionally noted for its confusing road system,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Jenny |title=Are these the worst ring roads in England? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26036572 |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=BBC News |date=5 April 2014}}</ref> dominated by a system of dual carriageways built when it became a [[New towns in the United Kingdom|New Town]], including the only [[cloverleaf interchange]] in England at the junction of the A441 and the Bromsgrove-bound [[A448 road|A448]]. The system is designed to allow rapid flow of large volumes of traffic around the various [[Districts of Redditch|districts]] and into the town centre, whilst keeping fast moving vehicles separated from residential streets. This self-similar pattern is found on a smaller scale in many of the modern estates in the town, which follow a [[Radburn design|Radburn style]] of planned community.

Redditch was briefly famous, via ''[[The Graham Norton Show]]'', for a tongue-in-cheek calendar called ''Roundabouts of Redditch'', featuring its "picturesque" roundabouts created by a local printing company.<ref>{{cite news |title=Roundabout calendar big seller |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2410283.stm |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=BBC News |date=6 November 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Poole |first1=Danielle |title=Redditch calendar king celebrates town's benches and Jack Grealish's calves |url=https://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/news/19750861.jack-grealish-redditch-benches-showcased-calendar-king/ |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Redditch Advertiser |publisher=Newsquest Media Group |date=30 November 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

==Education==
{{see also|List of schools in Worcestershire}}
Redditch is one of the few areas of the country where the [[Middle Schools in England|three-tier system]] of first, middle and high schools still exists. Students attend [[first school]] from the age of four, [[middle school]] from the age of nine and [[high school]] at the age of 13. Other areas of [[Worcestershire]] adopted this system at the same time as Redditch (in the 1970s), but many have reverted to the traditional 5–7 infant, 7–11 junior and 11-16/18 secondary schools.

Redditch currently has four high schools ([[RSA Academy Arrow Vale]], [[St Augustine's High School, Redditch|Saint Augustine's Catholic High School]], [[Tudor Grange Academy, Redditch|Tudor Grange Academy]], [[Trinity High School and Sixth Form Centre|Trinity High School]]) and six middle schools.

[[Heart of Worcestershire College]] (often referred to locally as "HOW College") is a large general [[further education]] college: one of its four campuses is in central Redditch; the other three are in Bromsgrove, Worcester and Malvern. The closest university is the [[University of Birmingham]], 12.5 miles (20 km) to the north.

==Media==
Local news and television programmes are provided by [[BBC West Midlands]] and [[ITV Central]]. Television signals are received from the [[Sutton Coldfield transmitting station|Sutton Coldfield]] transmitter. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Sutton_Coldfield|title=Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham, England) Full Freeview transmitter|date=1 May 2004|website=UK Free TV|accessdate=25 September 2023}}</ref>

Local radio stations are [[BBC Hereford and Worcester]], [[Heart West Midlands]], [[Radio Wyvern]], [[Capital Mid-Counties]], [[Greatest Hits Radio Midlands]], [[Hits Radio Herefordshire & Worcestershire]] and [[Smooth West Midlands]].

Redditch's local newspapers are ''The Redditch Standard'' and ''The Redditch Advertiser''. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://redditchstandard.co.uk/|title=Redditch Standard |access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/|title=Redditch Advertiser |access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref>

==Amenities==
[[File:Church of St Stephen, Redditch - geograph.org.uk - 7218.jpg|thumb|St Stephen's Church (Church of England)]]
Since June 2013, the swimming pool at Abbey Stadium Leisure Centre has been warmed using waste heat from the nearby Redditch Crematorium, in a scheme designed to save around £15,000 a year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-23104502|title=Redditch Crematorium begins to heat town pool|work=BBC News|date=28 June 2013 }}</ref>

==In popular culture==

The 2012 film ''[[Sightseers]]'' is partly set in Redditch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/films/sightseers?s=1&sid=6204|title=Sightseers|publisher=[[Independent Film Office]]|access-date=8 February 2014|date=November 2012|archive-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221235931/http://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/films/sightseers?s=1&sid=6204|url-status=dead}} Tina's mother's house is in Redditch; many internet sources describe Chris and Tina as "a Redditch couple"</ref>

Redditch is featured in a section heading in ''[[An Utterly Impartial History of Britain]]'' by [[John O'Farrell (author)|John O'Farrell]].<ref>England Divided into Separate Kingdoms: no one wants Redditch, p49</ref>

Birmingham and national TV comedian [[Jasper Carrott]] makes Redditch a repeated butt of his jokes, for example over the difficulty of escaping the Redditch ring road.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26036572|title=Are these the worst ring roads in England?|work=BBC News|date=5 April 2014 }}</ref>

There is a listed theatre in Redditch called the [[Palace Theatre, Redditch|Palace Theatre]].

==Places of interest==
[[File:Redditch Landmarks.webm|thumb|Redditch Landmarks]]
*[[Bordesley Abbey]]: remains of a former [[Cistercian]] abbey, later used as a Royal Swannery.
*[[Forge Mill Needle Museum]]: exhibition of traditional needle making.
*[[Redditch Library]]: the second-largest library in [[Worcestershire]] which attracts up to 12,500 visitors a month.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/library-numbers-up-to-12500-visitors-as-redditch-labour-group-battle-to-save-it/ |title=Library numbers up to 12500 visitors as Redditch Labour group battles to save it |date=2022 |website=Redditch Standard |access-date=27 February 2023}}</ref>

===Kingfisher Shopping Centre===
[[File:Redditch001.jpg|thumb|Worcester Square]]

[[Kingfisher Shopping Centre]] was opened in 1976 by the then Prime Minister [[James Callaghan]] and now forms the town's primary retail centre.

The centre has over {{convert|1100000|sqft|m2}} of retail space,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liberty-international.co.uk/files/presentation/2016/prudentialpresentation_2005_web.pdf|title=Major UK Shopping Transaction with Prudential|publisher=Liberty International|date=March 2005|access-date=2008-02-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071027081907/http://www.liberty-international.co.uk/files/presentation/2016/prudentialpresentation_2005_web.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-10-27}}</ref> with stores including [[Primark]], [[Next plc|Next]], [[Boots UK]], [[H&M]], [[The Perfume Shop]] and [[Warren James Jewellers]]. It is one of the largest covered shopping centres in the United Kingdom. In 2007, a cinema opened on the new upper floor and is now owned by [[Vue Cinemas]].

===Arrow Valley Country Park===
[[File:ArrowValleyLake WaterTower.JPG|thumb|View across Arrow Valley Lake]]
Redditch has {{convert|900|acre|km2}} of public open space in [[Arrow Valley Country Park]]. This incorporates the {{convert|30|acre|m2|adj=on}} Arrow Valley Lake, fed by the [[River Arrow (Worcestershire)|River Arrow]]. The park incorporates a Local Nature Reserve, Proctor's Barn Meadow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://redditch.whub.org.uk/cms/leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-and-open-spaces/arrow-valley-country-park/habitats.aspx |title=Habitats |publisher=[[Redditch Borough Council]] |date=2013-11-22 |access-date=2014-02-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228163744/http://redditch.whub.org.uk/cms/leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-and-open-spaces/arrow-valley-country-park/habitats.aspx |archive-date=28 February 2014 }}</ref>
The Arrow Valley Countryside centre, opened in 2000 in the Country Park, has a lakeside café, gift shop and an interactive exhibition. The lake is also used for water sports. There are four waymarked trails for walking and cycling around the lake and through the Country Park. There is a skate park in the south of the park with walks along the river Arrow through the Country Park to the [[Forge Mill Needle Museum|Forge Mill Museum]] in the north. There are interactive events and family activities at the Countryside Centre and a comprehensive children's play area.

===Royal Enfield motorcycles===
Redditch was the home of the [[Royal Enfield]] motorcycle. This is where the main factory of the original company was located and the business continued manufacturing until the 1960s, the last model being the [[Royal Enfield Interceptor|Interceptor]]. The Redditch factory was closed in 1967 and production was moved to the [[Bradford on Avon]] factory, which closed in 1970, ending English Enfield manufacturing.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} In the mid 1950s, the company established a partner, [[Royal Enfield Motors|Madras Motors]], in [[Madras]], India, who manufactured the [[Royal Enfield Bullet|Bullet]] 350 model. The Indian factory is producing new models and has taken Royal Enfield into its third century of manufacturing.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} Some of the original factory buildings in Redditch still remain, most are in a derelict state and can be seen from Hewell Road. Some buildings have been taken over and now make the old part of Enfield Industrial Estate close to the town centre on Hewell Road.

==Notable people==
*[[Josh Baker (cricketer)|Josh Baker]] (2003-2024), cricketer, born in Redditch.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-02 |title=Josh Baker: Worcestershire spin bowler dies, aged 20 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/cpegzx4kz5xo |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
*[[John Bonham]] (1948–1980), drummer with [[Led Zeppelin]], was born in Redditch<ref>Bonham, Mick. ''Bonham by Bonham: My Brother John'' (Solihull: Icarus Publications, 2003). {{ISBN|0-9545717-0-3}}</ref> and attended [[Tudor Grange Academy, Redditch|Lodge Farm Secondary Modern School]].
*[[Lionel Britton]] (1887–1971), novelist and writer of science fiction plays<ref>Clute and Nicholls's ''Encyclopedia of Science Fiction'' (1993)</ref> was born at [[Astwood Bank]] now a suburb of Redditch.
*[[Russell Brookes]] (born 1945), British rally champion<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rallybase.nl/index.php?type=profile&driverid=3118 |title=RallyBase |publisher=Rallybase |date=1945-08-16 |access-date=2014-02-28}}</ref>
*[[Nigel Clark (musician)|Nigel Clark]] from band [[Dodgy]] grew up in Redditch and went to The Leys High school, now [[Kingsley College, Redditch|Tudor Grange Academy Redditch]]
*[[Charlie Clemmow]], soap actress who is best known for her role as [[Imogen Hollins]] in the BBC soap, ''[[Doctors (2000 TV series)|Doctors]]''. She grew up in [[Astwood Bank]].
* [[Stacy Coldicott]] (born 1974), footballer, [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] and [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] was born in Redditch.
*[[Charles Dance]] (born 1946), actor, born in Redditch
*[[Jimmy Davis (footballer)|Jimmy Davis]] (1982–2003), footballer, [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]] and [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] was born in [[Bromsgrove]], but his funeral took place at Redditch Crematorium.
* [[Jonathan Dow]], actor was born in Redditch.
*[[Ruth England]] (born 1970), TV presenter, educated in Redditch
*[[Robin Field]], composer, born in Redditch in 1935
*[[Luke Johnson (musician)|Luke Johnson]], musician, [[Lostprophets]] was born in Redditch.
*[[Antony Johnston]], author, was raised in Redditch.
*[[Zoë Lister]], actor ''[[Hollyoaks]]'' trained at the Starlight School of Dance in Winyates, Redditch.
*[[Joe Lolley]], footballer, [[Nottingham Forest]], [[Huddersfield Town A.F.C.|Huddersfield Town]] and [[Kidderminster Harriers]] was born in Redditch.
*[[Tony Martin (British singer)|Tony Martin]] (born 1957), singer, [[Black Sabbath]] frontman 1987–1991, 1994–1997
*[[Tom Paddock]] (1822–1863) was born in Redditch, and known as the "Redditch Needlepointer", champion [[heavyweight]] [[bare-knuckle boxing|bare-knuckle boxer]] of England in 1856<ref>Oxford Dictionary of National Biography</ref>
*[[Nathanael Saleh]], actor born in Redditch in 2006.
*[[Jacqui Smith]], former MP for Redditch and first female British Home Secretary<ref>See [https://web.archive.org/web/20090315072505/http://jacquismithmp.co.uk/biography Jacqui Smith MP's web site] archived on Wayback Machine.  Note though Ms Smith's actual place of residence was subject to some controversy in 2009, see [[Jacqui Smith#Personal life|her article]].</ref>
*[[Freddie Starr]] (1943–2019), comedian, impressionist, singer and actor, lived in Mappleborough Green,<ref>{{cite news|last=Fricker |first=Martin |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/freddie-starr-police-after-because-1854161 |title=Freddie Starr: Police are after me because they failed to nail Jimmy Savile – Mirror Online |newspaper=Daily Mirror |date=2013-04-26 |access-date=2014-02-28}}</ref> just outside Redditch.
*[[Alan Styler]], (1925–1970) D'Oyly Carte Opera Company baritone, 1947–1968 was born and raised in Redditch.
*[[Harry Styles]] (born 1994) born in Redditch.<ref>{{cite web | title = Des Styles, 'Funny stuff.. Bromsgrove Advertiser says H might be born there? He was born in Redditch, we were there just in time!We lived in Evesham. X' | url = https://twitter.com/desstyles/status/414845786082791424 | author = Des Styles (@des styles) | date=22 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.redditchstandard.co.uk/2014/01/03/news-Harry-Styles-born-in-Redditch-confirmed-93738.html |title=Harry Styles born in Redditch – confirmed |work=Redditch Standard|date=2014-01-03 |access-date=2014-02-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103233954/http://www.redditchstandard.co.uk/2014/01/03/news-Harry-Styles-born-in-Redditch-confirmed-93738.html |archive-date=3 January 2014}}</ref> Raised in [[Holmes Chapel]]. Singer, songwriter and actor. Member of [[boy band]] [[One Direction]], 3 time [[Grammy]] winner. 
*[[John Taylor (bass guitarist)|John Taylor]] (born 1960), musician, [[Duran Duran]], went to [[Abbey High School]] in Redditch
*[[Raymond Thompson]], scriptwriter and TV producer, born in Redditch. Creator of hit New Zealand teen/sci-fi television series ''[[The Tribe (1999 TV series)|The Tribe]]''
*[[Archer Windsor-Clive]] (1890–1914), cricketer
*[[Lorna Rose Treen]] (born 1994), comedian and winner of the 2023 [[Funniest Joke of the Fringe]], grew up in Redditch<ref>{{cite web |url=https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/national-recognition-as-redditch-comedian-scoops-best-newcomer-in-chortle-comedy-awards/ |title=National recognition as Redditch comedian scoops 'Best Newcomer' in Chortle Comedy Awards |work=Redditch Standard|date=2023-02-23}}</ref>
*[[Felix Gill]] (born 2002), professional tennis player
*[[Taio Asanga]] (born 2007),famous rapper known for songs such as “Quadruple Platinum”

==Town twinning==
In 1956, Redditch was twinned with Auxerre in Burgundy, France. This twinning proved sufficiently popular to form an organisation named The Friends of Auxerre (FoA). At the beginning of June each year the coupling of these two towns is officially celebrated.

In 1986, Redditch was twinned with Mtwara in Tanzania. Frequent events are organised with assistance from the community of Tanzanian students at [[Birmingham University]] and [[Selly Oak College]].

*[[Auxerre]], France<ref name="Archant twinning">{{cite web|url=http://www.completefrance.com/language-culture/twin-towns|title=British towns twinned with French towns|access-date = 2013-07-11|work=Archant Community Media Ltd}}</ref>
*[[Mtwara]], [[Tanzania]]

===Friendship links===
Redditch also has formal "Friendship" links<ref>[http://redditch.whub.org.uk/home/rbcindex/rbc-visit/rbc-your-council-friendship-links_.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627061330/http://redditch.whub.org.uk/home/rbcindex/rbc-visit/rbc-your-council-friendship-links_.htm|date=27 June 2006}}</ref> with:
*[[Saint Elizabeth Parish|St. Elizabeth]], [[Jamaica]], [[West Indies]]
*[[Gruchet-le-Valasse]], France
*[[Gujar Khan]], [[Pakistan]]

==Sport==
Redditch sport teams include:

*[[Redditch United F.C.]] playing [[Association football|Football]] in the {{English football updater|RedditcU}}
*[[Redditch Borough F.C.]] playing [[Association football|Football]] in the {{English football updater|RedditcB}}
*[[NEW Ravens]] playing [[Rugby league]] in the [[Midlands Rugby League Premier Division]]
*[[Redditch RFC]] playing [[Rugby Union]] in the [[Midlands 4 West (South)]]
*[[Redditch CC]] playing [[Cricket]] in the [[Worcestershire County Cricket League]]
*Redditch Arrows American football Team
*[[Longmeadow Redditch Badminton Club]] playing [[Badminton]] with 8 teams in the Worcestershire and Solihull Leagues.
*[[Redditch Roller Sports Club]] Roller Derby and Recretational Roller Skating Instruction<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.redditchrollersports.co.uk/ | title = Redditch Roller Sports Club homepage | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110205134737/http://www.redditchrollersports.co.uk/ | archive-date = 5 February 2011}}</ref>
*Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.bromsgroveandredditchac.sportcentric.com/ | title = Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club homepage}}</ref>
*Redditch Rockets Skater Hockey Club
*[[Redditch Swimming Club]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.redditchswim.org.uk/ |title=Redditch Swimming Club |publisher=Redditch Swimming Club |access-date=2014-02-28}}</ref>
*[[The Redditch Road and Path Cycling Club]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rrpcc.co.uk/ |title=Redditch Road & Path Cycling Club – Home |publisher=Redditch Road & Path Cycling Club |access-date=2014-02-28}}</ref>

==Climate==
Redditch has an [[oceanic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfb'') similar to almost all of the United Kingdom.
{{Weather box
|location = Redditch
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan high C = 7
|Feb high C = 7
|Mar high C = 10
|Apr high C = 13
|May high C = 16
|Jun high C = 19
|Jul high C = 21
|Aug high C = 21
|Sep high C = 18
|Oct high C = 14
|Nov high C = 10
|Dec high C = 8
|year high C = 
|Jan low C = 2
|Feb low C = 1
|Mar low C = 3
|Apr low C = 4
|May low C = 7
|Jun low C = 10
|Jul low C = 12
|Aug low C = 12
|Sep low C = 10
|Oct low C = 7
|Nov low C = 4
|Dec low C = 2
|year low C = 
|Jan precipitation mm = 71.4
|Feb precipitation mm = 50.8
|Mar precipitation mm = 58
|Apr precipitation mm = 58
|May precipitation mm = 53.5
|Jun precipitation mm = 58
|Jul precipitation mm = 50
|Aug precipitation mm = 67.7
|Sep precipitation mm = 61.8
|Oct precipitation mm = 70.0
|Nov precipitation mm = 71.0
|Dec precipitation mm = 75.1
|year precipitation mm = 
| Jan precipitation days  = 12
| Feb precipitation days  = 9
| Mar precipitation days  = 11
| Apr precipitation days  = 10
| May precipitation days  = 9
| Jun precipitation days  = 9
| Jul precipitation days  = 8
| Aug precipitation days  = 9
| Sep precipitation days  = 9
| Oct precipitation days  = 11
| Nov precipitation days  = 11
| Dec precipitation days  = 11
| year precipitation days =

|source 1 = NOAA<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.google.com/search?q=redditch+england+weather+averages | title = Redditch, UK - Weather Averages | publisher = NOAA | access-date = 26 August 2020 }}</ref>
}}

==See also==
*[[Districts of Redditch]]
*[[Redditch Borough Council]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
<!-- Please bear in mind that Wikipedia is an encyclopedia and not a directory. It may be that one or two links will add something to a page however they must only be placed on the relevant page and will always be subject to review by Wikipedians.-->
*[http://www.redditch.com/ Website of Redditch]
*[http://www.redditchhistory.org.uk/ Redditch Local History Group] – Local History Group based at Forge Mill Museum

{{West Midlands}}
{{Worcestershire}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Redditch| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Worcestershire]]
[[Category:Planned communities in England]]
[[Category:Non-metropolitan districts of Worcestershire]]
[[Category:Radburn design housing estates]]
[[Category:Planned communities established in the 1960s]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1964]]
[[Category:Boroughs in England]]
[[Category:Former civil parishes in Worcestershire]]