West Bromwich regeneration plans move forward
A project to regenerate West Bromwich town centre is moving forward, with Savills now appointed to draw up plans.
Sandwell Council’s regeneration bosses hope that the plan will act as a catalyst for on-going and new regeneration schemes for the town – unlocking further investment and opportunities to boost the town’s future economic growth.
The masterplan will build on the Towns Investment Plan for West Bromwich, which has already been drawn up by the council in response to the Government’s Towns Fund programme, with the council bidding for £25m to help reinvigorate the town.
The council says the priorities for West Bromwich are to upgrade the town centre, unlock land to aid regeneration, support jobs and stimulate Covid-19 recovery.
The council has already submitted its Towns Investment Plan to government with a decision on funding expected shortly.
It is already working with a number of partners including the West Midlands Combined Authority to bring forward various sites for future regeneration, such as the multi-storey car park in Bull Street which is being demolished.
Cllr Danny Millard, Sandwell’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “The Towns Fund offers us a unique opportunity to revitalise the town centre.
“But we need to make sure that investment directly benefits local residents, by improving their employment skills; and local businesses, by providing new opportunities for long-term economic growth and prosperity.
“We’re also focusing on the revitalising the high street area, where much of the town’s retail offer is tired and outdated, we need to create a safe and welcoming town centre with a modern mix of housing, retail and employment.
“Our Masterplan will provide a clear vision and the direction for our regeneration plans. This is vital to unlock and attract the significant investment needed to ensure growth and a prosperous future.
Cllr Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council’s deputy leader, added: “The Masterplan will help us to deliver a significant and positive boost to the town in these challenging times. It demonstrates our on-going commitment to working closely with residents, businesses and all our other partners to bring about the change needed to help West Bromwich prosper now and in the future – for everyone’s benefit.”
Danny Collins, director of economics at Savills, said: “West Bromwich has fantastic assets, from great connectivity to Birmingham and the wider region, a strong sense of place and community, and significant areas of development potential.
“We’re looking forward to supporting Sandwell Council to develop a vision and plan that will set the ambitions for the town, and attract inward investment, building on the Town Investment Plan, and deliver major economic growth to this area.”
The masterplan should be completed by mid-summer 2021.
