Businesses in Brierley Hill are giving Dudley Council bosses the thumbs up, after the local authority confirmed it was taking a grant application for up to £2m the next stages.

If successful, the council intends to utilise the Historic England funding to undertake work in the historic High Street of Brierley Hill.

The project, which is ear marked for 2020 to 2024, could bring up to a total investment of £2.8m to the town and would include a building repair programme to a number of the town’s historical buildings.

The project will make the high street a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place to live, as well as to work and spend time in, by investing in the repair and restoration of vacant and under-used heritage buildings.

Improvements will also be made to the northern and southern gateways of the town, to increase positive perception and to also integrate with the new Midland Metro terminus. This work will include new paving and a community green space where residents and shoppers will be able sit outside. 

The council is working with Brierley Hill Community Forum and people who live and work in the area to engage the community in the project. It is hoped that volunteers will help undertake a number of activities such as litter picks, social archiving, organising community events and celebrating local culture and community. Alan Lunt, deputy chief executive of Dudley Council, said:

"This proposal is great news for Brierley Hill, where so many exciting plans are already taking shape and with the Metro proposals it is a great time for the town.

"As part of the Dudley Deal we are pledging to work with groups, residents and businesses for a brighter tomorrow for all our borough and I am sure everyone in the Brierley Hill community will join us in making the next steps a success for the town.

People can find out more about Historic England at historicengland.org.uk.