West Bromwich town centre masterplan expected to create 1,700 jobs given green light.

A masterplan expected to create 1740 new jobs has been approved for the future of West Bromwich town centre.

The West Bromwich interim planning statement was given the green light on 9th February. This was following a public consultation held in July and August last year.

In addition, 1,359 new homes are expected to be created by the masterplan.

Catalyst

Regeneration bosses hope that the masterplan will act as a catalyst for ongoing and new regeneration schemes for the town.

More than 80 per cent of respondents’ feedback supported the plan and future regeneration of the town centre.

Projects already identified under the town investment plan include a new Metro gateway plus a new Town Square for events.

Improvements

Improvements also include new green links, squares, parks and work on the sustainable transport network are planned. Finally, a major mixed-use community will create a vibrant, active and sustainable town centre.

According to Sandwell Council: “The Interim Planning Statement for West Bromwich will help to guide development in the West Bromwich Area Action Plan (WBAAP) area until the revised AAP is adopted. The Masterplan and IPS will inform related planning decisions in the Town Centre and will also act as a precursor to the full review and adoption of the WBAAP, due post-2024.”

The council expects the masterplan to generate:

• 1,359 new homes;
• £6.6 million extra expenditure by new residents in West Bromwich;
• 1,740 new jobs;
• 12,000m2 of new retail floor space - replacing 30,000m2 of out-of-date and vacant retail floorspace;
• Significant health, education and community uses;
• Improved public transport accessibility.

Feedback

Following the approval, Councillor Iqbal Padda, Sandwell’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I’d like to thank everyone – individuals, community groups and businesses – who took the time to give their feedback on our proposals for a new, dynamic vision for the town centre.

“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.

“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.

Funding

“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.

“This is a long-term vision for the next 20 years which I believe will boost confidence and generate significant investment, securing future growth and prosperity.”

Councillor Iqbal Padda, Sandwell's cabinet member for regeneration said:

“I’d like to thank everyone – individuals, community groups and businesses – who took the time to give their feedback on our proposals for a new, dynamic vision for the town centre.

“This is a long-term vision for the next 20 years which I believe will boost confidence and generate significant investment, securing future growth and prosperity.”