New £20 million improvements to Brierley Hill town centre approved

A new £20 million package of improvements for Brierley Hill town centre has been approved by senior councillors.

Approved by senior councillors, it includes the refurbishment of Brierley Hill Civic and the police station building next door, as well as improvements to the Moor Centre.

The cash is through the government’s Local Regeneration Fund, formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund.

Cllr Adam Davies, representing Brierley Hill and Wordsley South, said: “This is a really important step forward for Brierley Hill. When the College confirmed it no longer required the original allocation, our priority was to make sure that funding stayed here in Brierley Hill and continued to benefit local residents.

"A key part of this revised programme is creating a pathway to a positive future use for the former Police Station, following the deeply frustrating decision by the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner to close it.

"Our major concern was that the building could become a derelict eyesore or fall victim to inappropriate development, such as a HMO. By earmarking funding in the regeneration programme, we can now work proactively to secure a use that supports the town and protects this prominent site."

The great majority of the funding, around £15 million, was going to Dudley College to develop a new Transport Technologies Centre in the town. But the college has now decided not to pursue the project, leading to a new list of schemes to benefit from the spend being drawn up.

Also included is a number of projects around the Metro, including the creation of a public square at the terminus station. The town’s Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), which funds repairs to historic buildings, will also be extended.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: “These changes to the Brierley Hill programme focus on the refurbishment of existing buildings, rather than the creation of new facilities.

“It will also see improved connectivity and develop better links between Brierley Hill, the new Metro terminus and the Merry Hill Centre.

“It is an opportunity to deliver a real shot in the arm for the town, to drive more trade and footfall and create new jobs.”

Halesowen is also to receive £20 million through the LRF. Cabinet was told the original list of projects for Halesowen remains unchanged, and includes the redevelopment of the Pool Road multi-storey car park in the town.