£50m ambitious town masterplan approved by Sandwell Council
The future of Wednesbury has taken a significant step forward with the approval of a £50m masterplan.
Sandwell Council will use the strategic document to shape the town centre’s development over the next 10-15 years, to ensure Wednesbury becomes a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable place for residents and visitors.
As part of a broader £3bn investment plan across Sandwell, the Wednesbury masterplan will not only revitalise the town centre, but also attract new investments, create jobs, and provide training opportunities for local people.
One of the key proposals in the masterplan is the creation of a new leisure and social destination on the site of the former Gaumont Cinema. This area could be transformed into a range of family-friendly attractions, including a new cinema, theatre space, themed social experiences like adventure golf, and various food and drink venues.
Additionally, the former market site is set to be transformed into a cultural hub. This space will host food, drink, and cultural events. The masterplan also looks to work with local businesses and organisations to promote Wednesbury as a ‘Community High Street,’ focusing on independent retail, community activities, and the town’s unique identity.
To enhance the overall visitor experience, the masterplan includes the development of a coordinated wayfinding system, helping people navigate the town’s assets and facilities while providing a unified visual identity for visitor information.
Community feedback has shaped the plan to balance the town’s existing character with the new developments.
Some improvements are already underway as part of the investment programme, including the installation of new CCTV cameras and public realm enhancements. These efforts are complemented by a £20.4m investment from the Government, in partnership with Sandwell Council, to deliver ambitious projects across the town, such as expanding the Millennium Centre to provide more job training opportunities.
Cllr Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council said: “By setting a vision and priorities for the Town Centre through this Masterplan we will focus on the areas that matter most to the town and the community. It will also provide the basis on which we can encourage further investment in Wednesbury to come forward.”
