Land in West Bromwich will be compulsory purchased to fast track town centre revamp

Sandwell council has approved the planned purchase of land in West Bromwich without the consent of the land owner.

A report by the council agreed a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) should be sought to fast track regeneration of West Bromwich town centre and indoor market.

Sandwell council secured £25 million of funding as part of the government's £3.6 billion commitment to transform UK town centres.

Around £15.62 million will be allocated to scheme within the masterplan. This includes £13 million for retail diversification including land acquisition, demolition, and remediation. In addition, £1.4 million will be spent on walking and cycling improvements, and £1.22 million for urban greening works.

As well as this, £1.3 million has also been secured from the West Midlands Combined Authority

Masterplan

The West Bromwich masterplan will create a new town square. This is as well as a Metro gateway, a food hall, parks and streets with residential and leisure developments.

A report by Sandwell council approved the purchase of land and property interests necessary to deliver zones one and two identified in the West Bromwich Masterplan.

Land has already been acquired by Sandwell council, using the £13 million retail diversification fund with the council purchasing Kings Square shopping centre.

The fund will also create a new indoor market for West Bromwich. This will provide a new fit-for-purpose home for traders and boost the evening economy in the town.

Changes

The report notes: “The role of town centres is changing across the country as evolving consumer behaviours, particularly the increase in online shopping, impacts the high street.

“To succeed, town centres need to re-shape and diversify. Introducing new uses including residential, leisure and offices, creating aspirational public spaces and high-quality design is key to creating vibrant places that residents can be proud of.

“West Bromwich remains one of the four strategic centres in the Black Country, and the implementation of the West Bromwich masterplan is essential if it is to continue to serve the needs of local people, the wider population and the business community.”

Employment

If the plans are successful, 1,740 jobs will be created for local residents. Economic activity worth £105.9 million will be generated by the plans, with 1,359 new homes and £2.5 million in business rates.

In 2018-19 only 794 houses were delivered in Sandwell, well below the government’s assessment of Sandwell requiring 1,432 homes.

Councillor Peter Hughes, the cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said: “This cabinet approval is the first of a two stage cabinet process which seeks to a established political will to progress a CPO in order to deliver the aspirations outlined in the West Bromwich masterplan."

Councillor Peter Hughes, the cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said:

“This cabinet approval is the first of a two stage cabinet process which seeks to a established political will to progress a CPO in order to deliver the aspirations outlined in the West Bromwich masterplan.”