Black Country Study: Delivery Prospectus - Work in progress January 2007
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Black Country Study: Delivery Prospectus Work in progress January 2007
CONTENTS
1. Introduction............................................................................. 1
The Black Country Study.............................................................. 1
Delivery Agencies ....................................................................... 1
Regeneration Is Well Underway .................................................... 2
2. The Black Country Study .......................................................... 4
3. Regeneration is Well Underway ............................................... 6
A. Expanding The Four Strategic Town And City Centres ............. 6
Wolverhampton .......................................................................... 7
Brierley Hill/Merry Hill.................................................................10
Walsall Town Centre ...................................................................14
West Bromwich Town Centre .......................................................18
Dudley Town Centre ...................................................................22
B. Accelerating Growth Of The Knowledge Economy ................. 26
Enterprise Black Country North ....................................................28
Enterprise Black Country Central..................................................28
Enterprise Black Country West.....................................................29
Enterprise Black Country East......................................................29
C. Building Quality Housing –Offering More Choice .................. 34
D. Creating A Workforce For The 21st Century............................ 40
E. Transforming The Environment: ‘ Black Country As Urban Park’
.............................................................................................. 43
F. Developing An Integrated Transport Network ....................... 49
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. The Black Country Consortium is the strategic public-private partnership
shaping the regeneration of the Black Country. Its founding partners and
guarantee members are: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell
Metropolitan Borough Council, Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council,
Wolverhampton City Council, Black Country Business Link and the Black Country
Learning and Skills Council (LSC). All are represented on the Board of Directors,
together with other key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
The Black Country Study
1.2. Over the last three years, the Consortium has been working with partners to
forge a radical new future for the Black Country. A future that will fundamentally
change the way people live, work and travel around the Black Country; a future
where the Black Country is at the cutting edge of a modern global economy and
where its communities are able to share in renewed prosperity.
1.3. The Black Country Study is a commitment to transformational change. It began
with a shared Vision, stating what the Black Country should look like in 2031.
This Vision provides the driving force for change. It provided the starting point for
the Study to set ambitious high-level targets and objectives for job creation,
housing development, transport, town centres and the environment. Following on
from this, a highly sustainable Spatial Strategy has been developed to adapt the
Black Country land use/transport structure. This aims to promote growth in a way
which is responsive to today’ s challenges of global climate change. In doing so,
the Study and the Spatial Strategy provides clear signals to the market of the
scale, location and implications of growth across the Black Country.
1.4. The biggest challenge now facing the Consortium and partners is delivery -
turning aspirations for regeneration and growth into reality.
Delivery Agencies
1.5. Delivering the targets for urban renaissance set out in the Study will require the
commitment and coordination of efforts from a range of public and private sector
delivery agencies. A Consortium Delivery Sub Board is being established and a
Delivery Plan Framework was submitted to Government in July 2006. This
identifies the need for a set of Investment Plans to define the shape, timing
and resourcing of development in the strategic centres and growth corridors in
the subregion.
1.6. The four local planning authorities have come together to form a Black Country
Joint Advisory Group to agree and coordinate joint planning activities. An
officer task group has also been established to pursue the preparation of the Joint
Core Strategy for all four Black Country local authorities and to fast track the
preparation of Area Action Plans (see Appendix).
1.7. In consultation with partners, many regeneration initiatives are also now being
re-aligned to deliver the priorities of the Black Country Study. At a regional level,
Advantage West Midlands (AWM) – the Regional Development Agency –
promotes the economic development of the Black Country. In developing the
Regional Economic Strategy (RES), AWM established a number of Regeneration
Zones –areas where regeneration needs and opportunities are most aligned. The
two Regeneration Zones that fall within the Black Country have now been
combined and placed under the control of the Black Country Consortium. A
-1- Black Country Delivery Prospectus
combined Zone Implementation Plan has been published, to align the priorities of
the Consortium and AWM.
1.8. In 2003, AWM established the Wolverhampton Telford Technology Corridor –
a University of Wolverhampton-led network of public and private sector
organisations. Over the first three years it supported projects worth £30m to
boost innovation, knowledge transfer and enterprise. The Black Country Study
identifies priority employment land corridors to provide the spatial focus for this
technology-led investment in the Black Country.
1.9. English Partnerships (EP) is also active in the Black Country. In a joint initiative
with AWM and the Black Country Consortium, a new Brownfield Land Action
Plan is now being prepared, mapping out opportunities and constraints in the
Black Country’s employment land corridors. Together with Black Country
Investment, the URCs and local authorities, the Plan will ensure that the Black
Country has a property portfolio to accommodate employment growth in high
value-added sectors. The Plan will provide the basis for comprehensive
Investment Plans for the corridors to be published in Spring 2007.
1.10. EP also supports Housing Market Renewal in the Black Country. In 2004, Urban
Living - the Birmingham/Sandwell Housing Market Renewal Area (HMRA) - was
established to address areas of low housing demand through renewal and
redevelopment. Since then, funding from the Regional Housing Board has also
been allocated for the whole of the Black Country (and Telford) Housing Market
Area (HMA) prioritising areas at risk of low demand in Wolverhampton and
Walsall.
1.11. Local delivery partners working across the subregion are helping to change the
face of the Black Country, making strategic interventions to bring forward sites
and projects. Urban Regeneration Companies (URCs) in Sandwell and Walsall
are now well established and proposals for a special purpose vehicle in
Wolverhampton are at an advanced stage. Brierley Hill Regeneration Partnership -
a public, private and community partnership – is leading on the integrated
expansion of the Brierley Hill, Merry Hill and Waterfront areas. The four local
authorities of Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton have played a lead
role in establishing these delivery agencies and work alongside them to promote
regeneration.
Regeneration Is Well Underway
1.12. The Black Country is already undergoing significant change as multinational
companies choose to invest here. Westfield Group - a global company with assets
of more than £23 billion - has made a significant investment at Merry Hill
shopping centre, and is committed to further sustainable mixed use development
in the Brierley Hill area. Microsoft - the world leading software developer - has
partnered with the Consortium to support the objectives of the Black Country
Study. As part of the company’ s ethos to work locally and use digital technology
to change people’ s lives, it has committed to a multi-million pound investment
programme over the next three years focused on education and business support.
1.13. As more high profile investors choose the Black Country, others will follow,
creating new jobs, homes, retail, leisure and cultural opportunities for our
communities. Investment in town centres and along key employment corridors
is laying the foundations for the Black Country to become an attractive location
for high value-added businesses and their employees. In the housing market,
Regional Planning Monitoring and Urban Capacity updates demonstrate that
completions have accelerated in the last two years and are now exceeding the
-2- Black Country Delivery Prospectus
RSS target. As more sites in town centres and along public transport corridors
are brought forward, the rate of house building will continue at an even faster
pace.
1.14. The two most fundamental drivers of change for the Black Country are the
environment and skills and new initiatives are being launched to address these
issues. The Black Country-wide Living Landmarks: People’ s Millions bid is one
of only six shortlisted for a national competition and the only one with an urban
focus. If successful it will accelerate the creation of ‘
Black Country as Urban
Park’–an environmental framework for the creation of high quality places to live
and work.
1.15. The University of Wolverhampton is leading a new ‘ education challenge’
programme. Together with the LSC, Directors of Children’ s Services and other
partners, an initial 5-year programme worth £340m has been put forward of
infrastructure enhancements to schools and colleges and focused support
programmes. In addition, negotiations are underway with Government for fast
tracking the £1bn ‘Building Schools for the Future’Programme.
1.16. If growth is to be sustainable this must be matched by new investment in
transport infrastructure. This means expanding the Metro network, developing
quality bus routes and alleviating congestion on key roads. Schemes already at
an advanced stage include the Metro extension to Brierley Hill, Brierley Hill
Sustainable Access Network Transport Package, a new public transport
Interchange in Wolverhampton City Centre, Walsall Ring Road and the M54 to M6
toll link.
Purpose of This Document
1.17. This document should be read alongside the Delivery Plan Framework (July
2006), which sets out the Consortium’ s approach to delivery. Its purpose is to
provide a prospectus of the key schemes and projects now underway or in
the pipeline across the Black Country and how they are aligned with the Black
Country Study. It is not a fully comprehensive overview of the joint activities
being undertaken by Black Country partners in pursuit of delivering the Black
Country Vision. Areas of joint activity underway but not described here cover
many themes such as Diversity; Culture and Sport; Business Support; Business
Incubation; Enterprise; Tourism; Design; Waste Management and Flood Risk.
1.18. Instead, in recognition of the fundamental implications of the Black Country Study
for land use/transport restructuring, this document provides a ‘ work in progress’
prospectus of the key physical schemes, projects and infrastructure changes now
underway or in the pipeline. We begin by summarising the main messages from
the Study and the targets for growth. We then take each of the key Growth
Programmes in turn, reporting activity on the ground and schemes scheduled to
commence in the near future.
-3- Black Country Delivery Prospectus
2. THE BLACK COUNTRY STUDY
2.1. The Black Country Study entails making significant investments in the economy,
town centres, housing, education, the environment and transport. The
Consortium commissioned a series of technical studies on each of the core
themes, setting out the key choices ahead and the interventions needed to
deliver the Vision.
2.2. These studies highlighted the interdependencies across themes and reinforced the
need for a holistic approach. For example, attracting knowledge industries to
develop the economy entails improving the quality and choice of the housing
market to attract knowledge workers. Stemming the loss of retail expenditure
requires a higher quality public realm in town centres to make them attractive
places to shop. At the same time, improvements to centres will encourage more
people to live and work there, thus fuelling further expenditure.
2.3. Evidence suggests that the two most critical drivers for urban renaissance in the
Black Country are the environment and education and skills. Both have a
crucial underpinning role that will enable change in the other core areas. Flowing
from these technical studies, six integrated growth programmes have been
identified:
Accelerating Growth Of The Knowledge Economy
Expanding The Four Strategic Town And City Centres
Building Quality Housing –Offering More Choice
Creating a Workforce For The 21st Century
Creating Prosperous, Diverse and Harmonious Communities
Transforming The Environment: ‘
Black Country As Urban Park’
2.4. These growth programmes translate into a Spatial Strategy for the Black Country
which focuses investment over the next 25 years in town centres and along key
corridors. In these key areas and elsewhere, the Study targets an increase of at
least 44,000 households and 65,000 additional jobs to 2021, with the
potential for further growth of 27,000 households and 30,000 jobs by 2031.
This scale of growth will require major land use transformation, particularly the
recycling of former industrial land for housing development.
2.5. The four strategic town centres - Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Bromwich
and Brierley Hill/Merry Hill - will lead the transformation of the Black Country.
These centres will be vibrant hubs of activity where people area able to work, buy
a home, go shopping, visit an art gallery or enjoy a meal out with friends. They
will be seamlessly linked together and to surrounding communities by an
integrated public transport system ‘ Black Country Express’ , providing rail, Metro
and new bus services. In this way they will form a polycentric network of centres
which together offer more than the sum of their parts. Each centre will have a
unique selling point (USP).
2.6. Four Employment Land Investment Corridors - Enterprise Black Country
North, Central, West and East - will provide the quality employment sites
needed to attract new growth industries to the Black Country. New logistics hubs,
science parks, business parks, and high tech manufacturing sites will be put the
Black Country at the cutting edge of the knowledge economy. All corridors will
provide excellent access to the national road network as an essential requirement
-4- Black Country Delivery Prospectus
of modern business. Employees will have the opportunity to walk, cycle or take
public transport to work if they choose.
2.7. New housing development will be focused along public transport corridors
to reduce congestion and improve the environment. Elsewhere, a major
programme of housing market renewal across existing communities will build
on the work of Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder areas.
2.8. All of the centres and corridors will require living and working environments
of the highest quality for the benefit of local communities and businesses alike.
To achieve this, strict standards of design will be imposed and more investment
will be made in the public realm. The Black Country’ s natural assets will once
again be visible by opening up green spaces to the public, exploiting the natural
topography and celebrating the Black Country’ s heritage and community history.
In this way, the Black Country will be known as an Urban Park –a truly ‘ living
landscape’ .
2.9. The preferred spatial strategy, underpinned by key transport investments,
provides for a far more sustainable pattern of development. Transport
modelling shows that the planned scale of economic and housing growth can be
accommodated at the same time as reducing the need for car use, encouraging
shorter trips, and ultimately reducing congestion.
-5- Black Country Delivery Prospectus
3. REGENERATION IS WELL UNDERWAY
A. EXPANDING THE FOUR STRATEGIC TOWN AND CITY CENTRES
A.1. Revitalised town and city centres are at the heart of the Black Country Study. The
Black Country’ s town and city centres should once again be thriving hubs of
activity, providing a full range of shopping, cultural and leisure attractions. People
should be welcomed back into town centres to work in new high quality offices
and to live in new quality housing. The four centres with the greatest capacity for
growth are: Wolverhampton, Brierley Hill/Merry Hill, West Bromwich and
Walsall.
A.2. The Black Country Study proposes the creation of a ‘ polycentric network’of town
and city centres, seamlessly linked together by a fast efficient public transport. As
the places that local people identify with the most, town centres will be where the
transformation of the Black Country is most visible. In particular investment in
each of the four strategic centres will lead out the transformation of the Black
Country economy and provide ‘ beacons’for urban renaissance and the creation of
a new image of the ‘ Black Country as Urban Park’ .
A.3. The Study sets ambitious targets for the scale of retail and office development in
strategic centres which could eventually create 77,000 jobs and at least 7,700
more homes to 2031 in highly sustainable locations. All four centres will need to
expand beyond their current boundaries. In terms of retail capacity, the target is
to create a further 284,000 sq.m gross of comparison floor space in the four
key centres by 2031 (185,000 sq.m gross by 2021). An additional allowance has
been made for accommodating retail growth in smaller district centres to meet
local need and to maintain their vitality and viability. With respect to office space,
the target is to make 1.3 million sq.m of net additional space available by
2031 (745,000 sq m by 2021) to accommodate service sector job growth.
A.4. To shape the development of the strategic centres, key specialisms and
complementary roles will need to be developed. In doing so, the whole of the
Black Country will offer more than the sum of its parts. Each of the four strategic
centres will have a ‘ unique selling point’(USP). For example, Wolverhampton as
the city in the Black Country, Walsall as a traditional market town and Brierley
Hill/Merry Hill as the key office location.
A.5. The Black Country’s town and city centres are priority locations for immediate
investment. The Study proposes a 10 point plan to guide this investment:
1) Designate Brierley Hill/Merry Hill as a Strategic Centre
2) Define Ambitious Plans For The Scale of Retail and Office Development
3) Develop A Unique Selling Point (USP) For Each Centre
4) Support Residential And Tourism Development In Dudley Town Centre
5) Create An Integrated Transport System
6) Provide New Cultural, Sport and Leisure Facilities
7) Create New Residential Environments
8) Support Smaller Local Centres
9) Enhance City Region Relationships
10) Implement A Comprehensive Strategy For Each Centre
A.6. Further detail can be found in the Black Country Study Technical Report. A
considerable amount of investment is now flowing in to the main strategic
centres. We consider below the main projects and proposals now underway or in
the pipeline.
-6- Black Country Delivery Prospectus
KEY PROJECTS UNDERWAY OR PLANNED
Wolverhampton
A.7. Awarded city status at the turn of the millennium, Wolverhampton is one of the
Black Country’ s most important assets, boasting its own centrally based
university serving the whole of the Black Country, a professional theatre, and the
headquarters of a daily newspaper. It is home to the regional headquarters of
Carillion and Citibank and headquarters of Birmingham Midshires, Portman
Building Society and Wolverhampton and Dudley breweries.
A.8. Wolverhampton City Council is delivering a package of ambitious proposals for the
redevelopment and extension of the city centre commensurate with its role as the
City in the Black Country. The Council is considering options for a dedicated
special purpose delivery vehicle to further implement its retail and office strategic
targets. The Black Country Study indicates that the centre could provide up to
80,000 sq.m of retail space, 325,000 sq.m of office space and some 2000 new
dwellings.
A.9. Improving transport and accessibility to the City will be
key to future growth. A new transport Interchange will
revolutionise public transport provision, creating a single
hub for bus, train and Metro services and a gateway
entrance to the city from the West Coast Main Line. In the
future, the proposed expansion of the Metro network will
connect Wolverhampton to Walsall, Brierley Hill, West
Bromwich and of course Birmingham. This will open up
major new markets and increase the city’ s catchment
population. As well as a new railway station and bus
station, the Interchange project includes 413,000 sq.ft of office space and
114,000 sq.ft of leisure/retail space, including a new 4* hotel. Overall the project
could create as many as 2900 jobs of which some 2000 will be in office
employment. Neptune Developments Ltd has been appointed as the Council’ s
preferred developer and work on site is expected to commence in 2008.
A.10. Work is also underway on the Retail Core Expansion
to renew and expand the retail offer in the city centre.
Summer Row is a £265 million, 600,000 sq ft mixed-
use commercial, residential and leisure development.
It will include a Debenhams department store with
dozens of other retail outlets, stylish new apartments,
bars, restaurants and underground car parking. This
will have a major impact on the range and quality of
the retail offer in the centre. The Compulsory Purchase
Order was made on 25th July 2006 and a Public Inquiry will commence on April
17th. Development is expected to start on site in early 2008.
A.11. A city centre environmental improvement scheme is underway to make
Wolverhampton a more attractive and accessible place to live, work, study, visit
and do business. The scheme will enhance some of the main shopping streets,
pedestrian areas and create new opportunities for public art and exhibitions. The
improvements to Old Hall Street, Deanery Place, Queen Street and King Street
are now complete. Work in Dudley Street, Bilston Street and Woolpack Street will
be completed early in the New Year and that Queen Square will start immediately
after. The programme should be complete by the Autumn of 2007.
-7- Black Country Delivery Prospectus
A.12. If the city centre is to expand it needs to
break out beyond the ring road, which
currently acts as a constraint to growth. A key
scheme now underway which marks the start
of this process is the Canalside Quarter
project which is creating waterfront living to
rival anywhere in the region. Some 230
homes have already been delivered by
Redrow Homes at Southbank incorporating the
restoration and conversion of a Grade II listed corn mill.
A.13. Also now under construction is a £35 million mixed-use scheme to bring the
historic Grade II listed Low-level Station site back into use. The construction of
the 5 storey Premier Hotel and associated pub/diner is well underway. The
Barratts residential scheme which will deliver over 200 apartments should begin
in March 2007. On the 5th December 2006 the City Council’ s Planning Committee
gave delegated approval to grant applications for the conversion of the Grade II
listed Low Level Station building to provide a casino/gaming club, health/fitness
spa, business centre, bar/restaurant and function and entertainment suite.
A.14. Another key scheme within the Canalside Quarter is a mixed use scheme on the
former Springfield Brewery site. The site and surrounding land will comprise
almost 300 new homes, as well as some office, retail and leisure development.
Key listed buildings at the site will be reconstructed as part of the development.
The Section 106 agreement in relation will soon be signed enabling planning
permission and listed building consent to be issued. Construction will start on site
in March 2007.
A.15. Elsewhere, at Raglan Street, planning applications from Tesco and Sainsburys are
being considered for a new superstore.
A.16. The restoration of the Molineux Hotel - another of Wolverhampton City’ s 22
Grade II listed buildings - is now at an
advanced stage. Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
made a grant pledge of some £3.3 million in
June 2006 towards the relocation of the
Archives and Local Studies project to the Hotel.
Listed Building consent to extend the building
has been granted by GOWM and planning
permission granted. Contractors will be on site
in early 2007 for the start of a 15 month
programme.
A.17. The university is also a key part of the Wolverhampton’ s future and it is active in
many of the City’ s regeneration initiatives. Recent expansion of the University
and Wolverhampton College has had a significant impact on the image and
dynamism of the city centre.
-8- Black Country Delivery ProspectusSummary of Key Projects: Wolverhampton City Centre
AREA DESCRIPTION OUTPUTS/CAPACI PHASING
TY
Interchange New railway and bus 114,000 sq. ft. of leisure Developer appointed November
station, office space, /retail space, with cafes, 2006
retail and leisure bars and restaurants in Start on site in 2008
space, 150 bedroom the canal basin Development complete: 2012
4* hotel and 413,000 sq. ft. of office
replacement multi- space; 215 residential
storey car park. units, including 20%
‘affordable’ ; 160,000 sq.
ft. of public realm
2900 new jobs, of which
approximately 2000 will
be office based
Summer Row Retail core 140 apartments Compulsory Purchase Order
Retail Core expansion 500,000 square feet of made on 25th July 2006.
Expansion 800 space new retail and leisure Public Inquiry scheduled for
underground car space April 2007. Start on site in
park early 2008 subject to Inquiry.
Canalside Mixed use 300 new homes Section 106 agreement in
Quarter – development Office and retail space relation will soon be signed
Springfield incorporating new enabling planning permission
Brewery residential, office and listed building consent to
and retail be issued.
development. Key Start on site March 2007
listed buildings at
the site will also be
enhanced as part of
the development
Low Level Mixed use 208 apartments Construction underway
Station development and 5 storey 80 bedroom Completed: March 2007
restoration of Low premier hotel
Level Station Pub/restaurant
building for Conversion of listed
restaurants, bars building.
and potentially some
office space.
Molineux Restoration of Grade N/A Construction on site in early
Hotel II listed building to 2007 over a 15 month
house the Archives programme.
and Local Studies
Centre.
Little Bricklin Residential scheme 84 units Planning permission approved
Street
Raglan Street New food superstore Planning applications from
Tesco and Sainsbury currently
being considered.
City Centre Public realm Work in Dudley Street, Bilston
Environmental improvements. Street and Woolpack Street will
Improvements be complete by January 2007
and Queen Square will start
immediately after. This part of
the city centre programme
should be complete by mid
June 2007.
-9- Black Country Delivery ProspectusBrierley Hill/Merry Hill
A.18. Regeneration in Brierley Hill is being
planned to create a fully functioning
strategic town centre, encompassing
the Brierley Hill High Street, Merry
Hill shopping centre and the
Waterfront office and leisure
developments. Built on a former
steelworks, the Merry Hill/Waterfront
complex is already a major driver of
growth in the Black Country providing
over 150,000 sq.m of retailing,
75,000 sq.m of offices, a multiplex
cinema, eating and drinking venues,
and a major hotel. Some 12,000 jobs
have been created by the
development, accounting for a
significant proportion of total jobs
growth in the Black Country over the
last 15 years.
A.19. More recently, new residential
schemes have extended the range
and quality of local housing provision.
Research by Ecotec highlighted the popularity of new build housing developments
around Merry Hill, particularly for managers, senior officials and professionals
working locally. Further residential development of some 2,000 homes is planned
for the transformation zone at the heart of the new Brierley Hill, built around an
attractive canal setting and served by the new Metro line. Discussions are
underway with key private sector developers to take this forward.
A.20. Today, the Waterfront is the Black Country’
s most significant office location. It is
home to a number of large regional and national offices and a variety of
businesses including Natwest, Barclays, Telewest, Department of Works and
Pensions, the Child Support Agency, the Inland Revenue and the internet bank
Egg. Low vacancy rates demonstrate the success of the development and the
underlying demand for high quality office premises in the Black Country and
particularly around the Waterfront area.
A.21. Yet there is still an acute need for further regeneration and growth – the Super
Output Area which encompasses Merry Hill is within the 10% most deprived in the
country. The Black Country Study proposes growth of Brierley Hill/Merry Hill
commensurate with its designation as a strategic centre. The Study sets targets
for 80,000 sq.m of comparison retail, 325,000 sq.m of office space and 2,800
dwellings for the period up to 2031. Brierley Hill Partnership, formed in 2002, is
spearheading the integrated, physical, social and economic regeneration of the
area. A Masterplan has been prepared and Dudley MBC is prioritising the
preparation of an Area Action Plan to guide future development of the area as a
strategic centre.
A.22. A pre condition for growth is improved transport and accessibility to Brierley Hill.
Limited public transport means that the area is currently only accessible to those
with private transport or very local people, rather than the sub-region as a whole.
Access is particularly poor from Wolverhampton and Walsall. Access to Brierley
Hill/Merry Hill will be dramatically improved by the planned Midland Metro
- 10 - Black Country Delivery Prospectusextension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill. £36.5m of private sector investment
– the biggest of its kind in the UK - has been secured to ensure delivery of the
scheme.
A.23. Midland Metro will strengthen and
sustain economic activity in Brierley
Hill and significantly increase footfall
while reducing current dependence
on private vehicles. It will also link
the Waterfront, Merry Hill and
Brierley Hill High Street with a new
tree-lined boulevard. The Business
Plan was submitted to Government in Summer 2006 with a proposed timetable
for completion of 2012 subject to funding from the Transport Innovation Fund
(TIF).
A.24. In addition to the Metro, Brierley Hill Sustainable Access Network includes a
package of measures to improve access to Brierley Hill/Merry Hill from the
Brockmoor and Pensnett ward and the area to the North East towards Dudley
town centre. £20.3m in funding has been secured from Government in addition to
private sector contributions. The package focuses on a new parallel route to the
High Street between Dudley Road and Church Street which will open up new
development sites. It also includes enhanced public transport and taxi access with
drop off facilities along the High Street and the creation of a circular route around
Brierley Hill. Construction will start in 2007 and due for completion in late 2008.
A.25. The first new build offices since the early
nineties will be built as part of the Daniels
Land development. This is a key
transformation zone, which currently acts as
a wedge between Brierley Hill High Street,
Waterfront and Merry Hill instead of
integrating them as one. Remediation and
redevelopment of the land will create
115,000 sq ft of new office space and 142
new residential apartments. Road junction improvements at Pedmore Road
Junction with Level Street and the Jubilee steps from the Waterfront to Merry Hill
have been completed as part of this scheme. Phase 1 of the office development is
due for completion at the end of 2007 with phase 2 and the apartments due to be
completed at the end of 2008.
A.26. The Leisure Plateau is a 125,000 sq ft development which will add to Brierley
Hill and Merry Hill’s town centre attributes. The development includes 10
restaurants; a new and enlarged cinema; a casino; bowling complex; comedy
club; family entertainment centre and an amphitheatre. The Section 106
agreement will be used to seed permanent improvements to public transport.
The scheme will also provide a pedestrian link across the canal to join the High
Street area to Merry Hill. The planning
application is due in Summer 2009 with
construction and completion expected by
2010.
A.27. One of the first developments to appear in
Lower Brierley Hill will be Dudley South
Primary Care Trust’ s new health centre
and headquarters. This £24m LIFT (Local
Improvement Finance Trust) funded scheme
- 11 - Black Country Delivery Prospectuswill provide GP and community health services. The development is expected to
trigger a series of major improvements to Brierley Hill, as the town’ s three
existing health facilities are consolidated into the LIFT centre and land is made
available for redevelopment:
A.28. At the heart of the local community, Brierley Hill High Street is still the focus
for shoppers from the surrounding residential estates and further afield.
Improvements to public transport, the street scene, shop fronts and a more
pedestrian friendly environment will provide a boost to High Street traders.
Further phases of environmental improvements are planned.
A.29. The Partnership has an agreement in principle from the prestigious National
Youth Theatre to set up a regional base at Brierley Hill. The opportunities in
Brierley Hill include developing a range of activities in relation to residential work
and outreach work. Funding options are now being explored. The regional centre
would be a significant cultural and community asset for Brierley Hill. This could be
strengthened further by the presence of Stourbridge College which has publicly
announced its intention to move its Visual Arts activities to Brierley Hill for 2009.
- 12 - Black Country Delivery ProspectusSummary of Key Projects: Brierley Hill/Merry Hill
AREA DESCRIPTION OUTPUTS/ PHASING
CAPACITY
Midland Metro New light rail transportation N/A Business Plan submitted to
extension and infrastructure linking Government Summer 2006
Waterfront, Merry Hill and with proposed completion in
Brierley Hill High Street to the 2012.
Black Country and Birmingham. Subject to funding from
Transport Innovation Fund
2007.
Brierley Hill New parallel route to the High N/A Start on site in April 2007
Sustainable Street between Dudley Road Completion –early 2009
Access and Church Street. Junction
Network improvements at John
Street/Hickman Road, Bryce
Road/Pensnett Road, Bank
Street/High Street and the
Waterfront/Pedmore Road link
Daniel’
s Land Office development for business Phase 1 Office Begin early new year
and professional services Block (60,000 Phase 1 underway,
companies. sq ft) completion: December 2007
Phase 2 Office Phase 2 complete Dec 2008
Block: Residential: complete
(55,000 sq ft December 2008
offices):
183 luxury
apartments
Leisure Plateau New leisure development 125,000 sq ft Planning application March
including 10 restaurants; a new development 2007
and enlarged cinema; a casino Construction starts
(under 1968 legislation); September 2007
bowling complex; comedy club; Completion December 2008
family entertainment centre and
an amphitheatre to Brierley Hill
in a
LIFT Health £24m LIFT health centre and N/A Demolition work underway
Centre office development to be
developed on previously
contaminated land.
National Youth Regional centre for the National N/A Funding options being
Theatre Youth Theatre. explored.
Brierley Hill Environmental improvements to N/A
High Street Brierley Hill high street
Improvements including new shop frontages.
- 13 - Black Country Delivery ProspectusWalsall Town Centre
A.30. Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC) was formed in March 2004 to champion
urban regeneration within a designated 780ha area of Walsall. Over the next
decade it aims to attract more than £750 million in combined private and public
sector investment, creating 5,500 jobs and over 1500 new homes. A revitalised
and thriving town centre is at the heart of the URC’ s vision to restore Walsall to
its rightful position as one of the Black Country’
s primary strategic town centres.
A.31. A traditional market town with a relatively small town centre population, WRC is
promoting growth through new town centre living, expansion of the office market,
an enhanced retail offer and new learning opportunities. Investment in the public
realm will provide a high quality backdrop to facilitate this growth, building on the
success of the new Walsall Art Gallery linking the High Street and canalside
environments. New vistas will be opened up and public spaces created to make
the town more attractive to shoppers, workers, residents and visitors. Walsall’ s
historic architecture provides the opportunity to blend heritage sites such as the
Town Hall, Shannon’ s Mill and St Matthew’s Church with new high quality mixed-
use developments. The Living Landscapes bid (See Chapter 3E) includes
proposals for linking the town centre with the Arboretum along a ‘ green corridor’ .
A.32. Private sector developers are already showing interest in Walsall town centre.
Residential schemes have recently been completed at town wharf and are
underway elsewhere at Smiths Flour Mill by the canal.
A.33. Overall, the Black Country Study aims to provide around 68,000 sq.m of
comparison retail and 325,000 sq.m of office space and 1,900 homes over the
next 25 years. Eight key transformational projects have been identified by Walsall
URC to drive this growth.
- 14 - Black Country Delivery ProspectusA.34. Walsall First (Site A) is a pioneering initiative between Walsall College, Tesco,
Walsall Council and WRC. It is centred on a new Business and Learning
Campus incorporating a new £60 million college building, an Innovation Centre
with incubator units and high quality office space (helping to deliver the Black
Country Incubation Strategy). The Campus provides the unique opportunity to
bring together education with business in one single environment where new
ideas can be nurtured and brought to market. The college’ s current site will be
transformed by a high quality retail investment of some £40 million by Tesco for a
new superstore.
A.35. The Campus will play a key role in upgrading the local skills base and in attracting
high value added companies to the town. The college is making its curriculum
more demand led and specialising in high tech subjects. It has already
established a number of Academies with major blue chip companies like
Microsoft, Apple and Roland DG. Planned permission has been secured and the
college is expected to open in 2009.
A.36. Commercial presence in the town centre will be strengthened by a much needed
new Office Corridor (Site F) along Littleton Street and Blue Lane on the north
side of the centre. Some 17,000 sq.m of new commercial space is planned to
strengthen the business community. WRC are exploring options to significantly
upgrade the ICT infrastructure servicing the area. Further concentrations of office
space within the town centre are proposed for the Hatherton Street and Strafford
Street areas, which intersect with the Office Corridor. The first development
within the office quarter is expected to open in 2009.
A.37. Award winning property developer Urban
Splash is a key partner for the Waterfront
regeneration project (Site B). Anchored by the
iconic New Art Gallery, the Waterfront project
will transform 17 acres of vacant and derelict
land into a high quality mixed-use waterside
development. The new quarter along the canal
and Town Wharf, will feature more than 650
new homes, new office space and new leisure
and cultural facilities. The Phase One Planning Application for ‘ Waterfront North’
was approved in November 2006. Advantage West Midlands has approved a
£13.8m injection of cash to support the first phase of construction.
A.38. Proposals are now being prepared for the comprehensive redevelopment of
‘Waterfront South’ , two parcels of currently derelict land to the north of Charles
Street. Proposals include 300 or more residential units and 15,000 to 18,000 sq.ft
of commercial and leisure space. A planning application is expected to be
submitted in Spring 2007.
A.39. The New Gallery Square project (Site E) will create a new vibrant public
square at the northern end of Park Street
enabling full integration of the proposed 5Ws
Metro line with the New Art Gallery and
Waterfront. It will feature new leisure,
cultural and studio-type workspace and
specialist retail.
A.40. At St. Matthew’
s Quarter (Site D), work is
at an advanced stage on several fronts to
- 15 - Black Country Delivery Prospectusdeliver a higher value shopping experience for residents and visitors as well as
new office space and apartments. Phase One includes a new Asda superstore due
to open in June 2007. A planning application for Phase Two was approved in
November 2006 for conversion of the listed Shannon’ s Mill for residential and
commercial space. Discussions are well advanced between major landowners for
Phase Three of this scheme to expand further the retail and leisure offer. The aim
is for St Matthew’ s Quarter to attract first class retailers such as ‘ high fashion’
operators, speciality shops, and other niche retailers, ultimately to enhance the
quality of the offer and raise consumer expenditure in the town centre.
A.41. A major remodelling of Bradford Place and Station Street (Site C) will include
new bus facilities and improved links to the railway station - all within a new civic
space centred on the Cenotaph. It will provide an additional retail focus linking
the Saddlers Centre with the Victorian arcade and the Jerome Retail Park.
A.42. Work is now underway to rebuild Walsall Manor Hospital following agreement
on and approval of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). The new hospital will deliver
21st Century healthcare for local residents and provide a major boost to the
regeneration of the town.
- 16 - Black Country Delivery ProspectusSummary of Key Projects: Walsall Town Centre
AREA DESCRIPTION OUTPUTS/ PHASING
CAPACITY
Walsall First: £100m-plus scheme 350 jobs Planning permission
Business for new Walsall granted: September 2006
Learning College, Business
Campus and Incubator and Tesco 10,000 sq/m Construction On Site: June
Retail store Commercial 2007
Floorspace
College to open in 2009
Walsall Waterside quarter for 950 jobs Phase 1: Waterfront North
Waterfront town centre living, 23,500 sq/m Planning Application
office space, leisure Commercial approved: November 2006
and cultural facilities.. Floorspace Created Construction on site
650 Residential Spring/Summer 2007
Units Phase 2; Waterfront South
Planning application
submission: Spring 2007
Office Corridor Delivery of prime 750 jobs Creation of overall
office space in Town Masterplan: Spring 2007
Centre to attract 6.5 Ha Brownfield 1st office development open
leading edge Land Reclaimed Autumn/Winter 2009
employers and
developers. 17,000 sq/m
Commercial
Floorspace
St. Matthew’
s Transformation of the 500 jobs Phase 1 Asda Superstore
Quarter southern end of High 11,800 sq/m due to open in June 2007
St, Digbeth and Commercial Phase 2 planning
George Street to Floorspace application approved:
provide much 120 Housing November 2006
improved shopping Residential Units Phase 2 start on site
experience along with Created Spring/Summer 2007
offices and Phase 3 Planning
apartments. application submitted early
2008
Bradford Place Major remodelling 75 jobs Development of Public
/ Station incorporating 210 Housing Realm Strategy and options
Street upgraded bus Residential Units for urban interchange:
facilities, improved Created Spring/Summer 2007
links to railway Phased Implementation
station, all within new commences: Winter
‘civic space’centred 2007/08
on the Cenotaph
New Gallery A vibrant exciting new 125 jobs Develop public realm
Square square, home to new 1,500 sq/m strategy early 2007
creative industries Commercial Phased implementation
Floorspace Created Spring/Summer 2008
Manor Hospital New PFI hospital Potential outputs to Commence development of
approved by be defined as new hospital: End of 2006
Department of Health scheme progresses New hospital delivered
2009
- 17 - Black Country Delivery ProspectusWest Bromwich Town Centre
A.43. Only five miles from Birmingham and served by the M5 and M6 motorways, West
Coast mainline and Metro Line 1, West Bromwich is well placed to attract new
investment to the Black Country. In 2003, RegenCo – the Urban Regeneration
Company for Sandwell - was established to provide a ‘ one stop shop’for the
regeneration of West Bromwich, Smethwick, Hill Top and surrounding areas. West
Bromwich benefits from being part of the ‘ Urban Living’Birmingham/Sandwell
housing market renewal pathfinder which has secured resources for the next 2
years to improve the range and quality of the housing stock.
A.44. Reconfiguration of the ring road and a recently completed new bus interchange
adjacent to the Metro are helping to unlock development opportunities in the
centre. West Bromwich also offers proximity to parks and greenspace in Sandwell
Valley. The Living Landmarks bid (see Chapter 3E) includes proposals for a ‘
Green
Bridge’across the barrier of the A41 connecting the centre to these greenspaces
and further afield to Walsall and Barr Beacon, putting into practice the ‘ Black
Country As Urban Park’concept.
A.45. New housing, employment, retail, educational facilities, commercial, open spaces,
community cultural and leisure facilities will change the urban environment of
West Bromwich. Black Country Study identifies West Bromwich as one of the four
strategic centres and proposes growth of 53,000 sq.m of comparison retail,
325,000 sq.m of office space, together with 1100 dwelling up to 2031. RegenCo
has pinpointed a number of priority sites to commence this growth as shown in
the map below.
- 18 - Black Country Delivery ProspectusA.46. West Bromwich centre in particular has the potential to offer high quality office
accommodation as an accessible alternative to the Birmingham market. The last
speculative office development in West Bromwich dates back to the 1970s. Based
on enquiries to date, Regenco considers that there is latent demand for new high
quality premises. To address this, up to 12,500 sq.m of office accommodation is
planned for phase 1 of All Saints (site 1). The gateway scheme has the
potential to create some 1500 jobs in business and professional services
employment and is expected to come to market in 2007.
A.47. The All Saints business quarter is immediately
adjacent to the A41 Black Country New Road,
on a 4.6ha site currently owned by Sandwell
MBC and used as a depot. It will link with
existing office and commercial development
along West Bromwich’ s ‘
Golden Mile’
encompassing the High Street and the new
Town Centre. The site will provide easy access
to the M5/M6 and the West Midlands
conurbation.
A.48. Eastern Gateway (site 2) provides an opportunity to create a new mixed use
residential lead high density gateway to West Bromwich, on a 4.2ha site at the
eastern edge of the Town Centre and less than a mile from Junction 1 of the M5.
The scheme will improve environmental quality and enhance the area’ s vibrancy
and sense of place. The development will include some 250 new dwellings and
over 10,000sqm of commercial and retail space. A masterplan will be completed
at the end of January 2007, and the development should be on site during
2008/2009.
A.49. Junction One West (site 3) is a highly visible development opportunity for the
medium term next to the M5 and within West Bromwich Town. The site could
eventually provide 35,000 sq.m of high-quality office accommodation for up to
2,000 workers. Junction One East is a longer-term development opportunity
designated for large scale, out-of-town leisure use and commercial. This project is
at an early stage and investment in the transport infrastructure may be needed.
It is also proposed to move the Kenrick Road Metro Station next to the Junction
One Business Park, to improve accessibility. RegenCo is carrying out a transport
impact assessment combined with an options appraisal for the whole office
development scheme.
A.50. The pUBLIC - a £50 million
community led arts and cultural centre
in a futuristic iconic building - is due to
open in Autumn 2007.
A.51. Town Centre Quarter (site 4) covers
an area of two hectares between the
new Public arts building and the Astle
Park retail centre to the west of West
Bromwich Town Centre. Large-scale
public realm and town centre
management improvements are now
complete , providing a new Town
Square for West Bromwich. A Town Centre Framework is being prepared for
future phases of the square’ s development. A new mixed-use residential-led
development is proposed fronting the new Town Square possibly including new
- 19 - Black Country Delivery Prospectusleisure facilities. The Town Square will link the site to the Queen’
s Square
shopping centre, the new Tesco retail centre and the High Street.
A.52. In the Metro Quarter (site 5) there is to be built to the south of the town centre,
a new £50m campus for Sandwell College A Learning Village will provide
12,000sqm of new learning space, and a range of additional educational and
enterprise development opportunities. Outline planning permission has been
granted for the college to start on site during 2008. The college is due to open in
Autumn 2009. The project includes the downgrading of the West Bromwich Ring-
way to enable the Metro station and college to be fully integrated with the Town
Centre.
A.53. Tesco is a key partner leading on a major new Retail Core (site 6) to the north
of the new Town Square, in conjunction with Sandwell MBC. The scheme,
scheduled for completion in 2009, will include a large Tesco store at 38,000sqm
and a new department store. The scheme has outline planning permission.
Sandwell is currently acquiring
the land and RegenCo is working
to ensure integration with the
town centre improvement
scheme.
A.54. To the east is a scheme led by
Halladale, for the refurbishment
and enlargement of its existing
20,900sqm Queen’ s Square
shopping centre, together with
the creation of a new frontage to
The pUBLIC building. The
Halladale redevelopment and
expansion is due to start in 2007.
- 20 - Black Country Delivery ProspectusSummary of Key Projects: West Bromwich Town Centre
AREA DESCRIPTION OUTPUTS/ PHASING ESTIMATES
CAPACITY
All Saints Office and commercial sites on Up to Development brief and
business 4.6ha land, to link with West 27,500sqm of option appraisal for
quarter Bromwich High Street the Town offices Phase 1 being produced.
Square and retail expansion. 1,500 jobs Joint venture/ developer
agreement for 2007,
with start on site 2008.
2010: Completion
(phase one).
Eastern Mixed-use commercial, retail, and 250 dwellings Masterplanning, land
Gateway residential units on 4.2ha site to 18,000sqm referencing and
create new higher density urban commercial and acquisition data
living and high quality urban retail space. gathering complete.
gateway quarter. 2007/2008 - Joint
venture/developer
agreement (phase one).
2008/2009: On site.
Junction Redevelopment at M5 J1 to 35,000sqm Transport impact
One (West) provide a business park, on 8ha office space (J1 assessment and options
and of land at Junction One (West). West) appraisal in progress.
Junction Longer-term opportunity for 2,000 jobs Timetable under review.
One (East) leisure and commercial
development on 12.3ha at
Junction One (East).
Town Mixed-use residential and 50 residential Phase 1 of the town
Centre commercial developments units square public realm
Quarter including significant public realm 50,000 sq.m improvements now
upgrading. commercial complete.
space Town Centre Framework
in preparation.
Redevelopment on site
to begin in 2010/11.
Metro A new £50m Sandwell College 25,000sqm Outline planning
Quarter campus to bring 3 campus’ s into College permission granted –
1 town centre site, creating life- planned start on site in
long learning opportunities. 2008.
Retail Core Major retail expansion and Tesco: Tesco: outline planning
refurbishment plus large-scale 38,000sqm permission obtained,
public realm/leisure elements, to retail and CPO granted, land
the north and east of the town leisure. acquisition ongoing
square. Halladale: scheduled for start on
22,500sqm site 2008, and
retail. completion 2009.
Public Realm Halladale: detailed
Improvements planning permission
granted work scheduled
to commence 2007.
Long-term Development Opportunities
In addition, the following longer-term opportunities have been identified by RegenCo
Sandwell: 1) Swan Village (residential); 2) Albion Canalside (mixed use); 3) Windmill Eye
(residential/mixed use); 4) Tameside Village (residential); 5) Ryders Green (mixed use);
and 6) Grove Lane (mixed use)
- 21 - Black Country Delivery ProspectusDudley Town Centre
A.55. Dudley is a special place which shares many of the qualities of the finest English
market towns with its hill top setting astride the watershed between the Severn
and Trent river catchments. The Black Country Study promotes Dudley as the
focal point of the Black Country-wide tourism offer, reflecting its wealth of
attractions in the town and immediate environs. Assets include:
Dudley Castle – dating back to the 12th century and within the grounds of
Dudley Zoo;
Wren’ s Nest – the first urban nature reserve site in Britain and one of the
most impressive geological sites in the world with over 80 fossils found
nowhere else on earth. Wren’s Nest is a key part of the Black Country’
s Living
Landscapes project (see Chapter 3E);
Black Country Living Museum – a unique experience for visitors,
transporting them back in time - the museum attracts almost a quarter of a
million visitors a year;
Dudley Canal Network – the longest navigable canal in the country which
cuts across the ‘ watershed of England’ and incorporates the mile-long
Netherton Tunnel.
1
2
Opportunity Areas
3
8
1 Priory Place
2 Tower Street
3 Prospect Hill 7 4
5
4 Cavendish Quarter
5 Central Union
6 New Mill Gate 9 6
7 Trident Triangle
8 Priory Street
9 South West Gateway
A.56. New investment will enhance Dudley’ s role as a tourism destination and also
make it a more attractive place to live. A masterplan has been prepared which
aims to reinstate the medieval street pattern of the town centre, adding to
Dudley’ s market town feel. The Dudley Area Development Framework
identifies nine town centre opportunity areas:
1) Priory Place
A.57. The Priory Place opportunity area is located in the north west of the town centre
and is 3.19 hectares in size. The site is currently used for a mixture of surface
parking and playing fields with the Edwardian villas fronting Ednam Road used for
office purposes. mReflecting the areas established Edwardian character, Priory
Place will be a high quality residential quarter of some 105 units with
development focused on the Priory fields open space and Priory Road. A mixture
- 22 - Black Country Delivery Prospectusof apartments and town houses will be set within a formal layout of tree lined
streets and garden courts. As the town centre and Priory Park are only a short
distance away a key feature of development at Priory Place will be creating good
linkages to these places through the orientation and layout of streets.
2) Tower Street
A.58. The Tower Street opportunity area is centrally located in Dudley town centre to
the north of the Market Place and is focused on Tower Street and Castle Street.
With commanding views of the castle, the Tower Street area will become a centre
for high quality mixed use development. New retail units with apartments
above will be introduced along Castle Street to replace the current 1960s units. A
mixture of small office courts and apartments will be introduced around the Tower
Street and the Broadway junction. Cafés and bars will be built as part of a
courtyard development to the rear of the building and a mix of new apartments
overlooking the public gardens beyond.
3) Prospect Hill
A.59. Prospect Hill opportunity area is located to the east of Market Place focused on
the site of Dudley bus station. It is one the highest points in Dudley town centre
commanding fine views to St Edmund’ s Church, the castle and towards
Birmingham. The role of the area as a principal arrival point into the town centre
will be strengthened considerably through the introduction of a modern public
transport interchange for Midland Metro and bus services.
A.60. The prominence of the location could be reinforced through the creation of a
landmark structure, supporting the ‘ Black Country As Urban Park’proposals. The
quality of the public realm will also be enhanced through the formation of a new
civic square. New office buildings to the north and east will also be
constructed with frontage development introducing small retail uses at ground
floor level. Finally, Birmingham Street will be re-opened to the north carrying the
tram and improving pedestrian routes to the Castle and Dudley Zoo.
4) Cavendish Quarter
A.61. The Cavendish Quarter opportunity area is located to the south east of the town
centre and adjoins the southern bypass. It is bounded on the north west by
Trindle Road and Hall Street to the south west. The area is dominated by the
vacant Cavendish House building, neglected retail units front Hall Street and part
of Trindle Road. Occupying a prominent location on the south eastern edge of the
town centre, Cavendish Quarter will be stylish and contemporary place to
experience town centre living, within easy reach of public transport, shops,
bars and restaurants. The Development Framework includes proposals for some
200 residential units with construction commencing in January 2009.
5) Central Union
A.62. The Central Union opportunity area is focused upon the northern frontage to King
Street and from the Churchill Shopping Centre to Vicar Street. The pedestrian
environment is poor and there is an abundance of blank frontages, rear service
yards and inactive uses. Central Union will become a fulcrum within Dudley town
centre linking together the High Street and Market Place to the north with new
retail development around New Mill Gate to the south.
6) New Mill Gate
A.63. Of all the opportunities in Dudley town centre New Mill Gate is perhaps the most
exciting. A new urban quarter is proposed around New Mill Street and Flood
Street focused on the proposed Midland Metro and incorporating a mix of new
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