Sandwell Council approves plans to regenerate West Bromwich town centre
The public had their say on what could be done
Last updated 10th Feb 2022
West Bromwich town centre is set to change over the coming decades, according to plans approved by Sandwell Council.
The West Bromwich Masterplan and West Bromwich Interim Planning Statement will see an overhaul of the layout of the town after being given the green light.
Plans approved by the Council will see just under 1,400 new homes being built - creating over 1,700 new jobs for the local economy.
As well as this, transport will be significantly boosted with the aim of creating a new sustainable transport network across the town.
Following a lengthy public consultation, it was found that there was overwhelming support for the town centre to be regenerated, with 80% of those surveyed backing the plans.
But residents should not expect immediate changes to come to the town, as the plans are to be carried out over the next twenty years.
Speaking about the plans, Councillor Iqbal Padda, Sandwell’s cabinet member for regeneration, thanked everyone who came forward to give their thoughts.
"The role of town centres is altering because of changing consumer patterns, increased online shopping and high rents resulting in businesses closing, and this has been made worse with the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.
“We want the Masterplan to act as a catalyst for change, so we can tackle and reverse the general decline of the town centre. We want to look at how we can transform existing spaces in the town centre to new uses, such as creating residential homes.
“We also need to make sure we take advantage of the opportunities created as a result of the significant Town Deal funding we’ve successfully bid for.
"The Masterplan will provide a single vision and strategy and will also make sure we take full advantage of the unique opportunities created as a result of the significant Town Deal funding we’ve successfully bid for."