Works to regenerate Brierley Hill high street are underway thanks to a successful £10million Future High Streets Fund bid.

The funding, awarded by central Government in 2020, will finance key transformation works including improving connectivity and integration with the new Metro terminus linking Brierley Hill to Wednesbury, refurbishments to the library and reopening of the public toilets.

Enabling works to improve the look and feel of the high street, including the removal of redundant furniture that is no longer needed, began last week and has already seen the removal of works railings. Further work is taking place on Sunday 12 December and again in the new year with work to include the relocation of planters to enhance the visual appeal of the town.

A first phase of highway works will also begin in January, which will include improvements to the traffic signal junctions on Venture Way and Mill Street, will last for around three months.

The second phase will continue for a further three-month period. Works will seek to improve air quality and reduce energy consumption and congestion. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise said:

"This is an exciting time for Brierley Hill and the local community is really coming together to make fantastic things happen, such as the incredible In Bloom award winning.

"Working together with the community we have secured significant funding for the town and physical improvements are already visible in the centre.

"2022 will be an even busier year with construction works also due to begin for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, which could cause some disruption so we would urge people to plan ahead before they travel."

The town is also benefitting from £2.2 million of funding via the High Streets Heritage Action Zone, which has so far seen improvements made to the War Memorial on Church Street, with further plans including a series of building projects and public realm improvements. Tim Sunter, Brierley Hill Community Forum Chair, said:

"Residents and businesses are forging links and working together to drive progress forward in our town centre. We have already seen the wonderful improvements which are taking place at the war memorial.

"Now the unsightly barrier rails have been removed at Five Ways, heralding the next steps to improve the environment in the town.

"As part of the works new planters are being provided for Brierley Hill in Bloom, so that is something we can look forward to next year too. We thank the council for the work they are doing on this. It is much appreciated."

Some traffic management may be required for these works. For more information people can visit regeneratingdudley.org.uk.