Public inquiry to start on compulsory purchase of land in Dudley town centre

Blueprints for a £24million transport interchange in Dudley have been given the green light.

Dudley Council’s development control committee approved the plans for the transport hub on the site in the centre of Dudley.

Inquiry

A public inquiry will start next month into the compulsory purchase of land in Dudley town centre by the council to make way for the interchange.

The project will see the existing bus station demolished to make way for a modern bus and Metro tram interchange.

Council bosses submitted a plan to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Houses and Communities to purchase land in Birdcage Walk. The land is adjacent to the present bus station site which is already the second busiest in the region.

Extension

The first phase of the Metro extension, between Wednesbury and Dudley town centre, is currently under construction. It is set to open in 2024, offering frequent services to Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

In addition, the line will be further extended to Brierley Hill, including a stop at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre, during the project’s second phase.

Welcomed

Council bosses welcomed the planning approval.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration an enterprise, said:

“This transport interchange is a key part of more than £1billion worth of regeneration activity in Dudley and the planning committee’s decision will be welcomed by many.

“When complete, this scheme will revolutionise how people visit and commute to and from this borough and provides an excellent boost for public transport. I am delighted to see this important programme of work gathering pace.”

Compulsory Purchase Order

The council will now work to secure the remaining land via a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

The planning application, which was first made last year said:

"This would authorise Dudley Council to acquire compulsory the land and new rights over land referred to for the purposes of developing a modern bus station, as part of a new new public transport interchange in Dudley town centre.

"It would deliver integrated transport improvements and improved landscaped public realm and associated highway improvement works.

"These would contribute to the promotion and improvement of the economic, social and environmental well being of the acquiring authority's area."

The inquiry will take place at The Village Hotel on Tuesday, October 3 starting at 10am and is expected to last for two days.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration an enterprise, said:

“This transport interchange is a key part of more than £1billion worth of regeneration activity in Dudley and the planning committee’s decision will be welcomed by many.

“When complete, this scheme will revolutionise how people visit and commute to and from this borough and provides an excellent boost for public transport. I am delighted to see this important programme of work gathering pace.”