Redditch

Redditch, town in Worcestershire, central England. It is located 25 km (16 mi) south of Birmingham and 30 km (19 mi) north-west of Worcester. The town developed as a small community called La Rededitch, which grew up around a Cistercian monastery. It is thought its name derives from the effect clay had on the colour of running water at the monk’s mill.

Redditch was designated a new town in 1964, and its population has increased substantially since, from around 34,000 to approximately 80,000 at the start of the 21st century. The town has attracted much investment: service industry (with distributive trade forming the largest single component) is the main source of employment in the town, providing 60 per cent of jobs, with light manufacturing providing much of the remainder. The town’s shopping complex, the Kingfisher Centre, is notable for its mosaic panels by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. Population 78,813 (2001).