This #MadeInSandwell Monday we’re celebrating one of the borough’s excellent examples of top town planning. The West Bromwich Outdoor Market planning scheme has been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence.

 The outdoor market redevelopment sought to replace a tired, unattractive row of market stalls with a new offer looking to improve the visual amenity of the area, deliver against the council’s sustainability agenda and increase the economic impact of the market. 

Through the use of ground-breaking PV (photovoltaic) technology, the market is now a net contributor to energy in the borough. Solar panels on the new market stalls power the stall lighting, and any surplus energy goes back to the grid.

The scheme has been shortlisted for The Energy Awards 2021, recognising its green credentials, in addition to being a functional, distinctive market facility for traders. 

Situated in the heart of West Bromwich on the High Street, the redevelopment has improved the visual features of the town and successfully increased the market’s economic impact as it now appeals to shoppers, visitors and future traders.

Funding for the project came from the government’s Accelerated Towns Fund, following a successful bid by Sandwell Council.

The RTPI represents 25,000 planning professionals worldwide and promotes spatial planning, shapes policy and raises professional standards. The RTPI West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate outstanding planners, plans and projects that demonstrate the power of planning in the region.

The awards highlight exceptional examples of how planning and planners have a positive impact on our quality of life in creating exceptional places and protecting our environment. In recognising and rewarding excellence the RTPI aims to inspire others to achieve the same high standards.

Councillor Rajbir Singh, leader of Sandwell Council, said: “West Bromwich Outdoor Market is at the heart of the town, and its redevelopment as a distinctive, successful centre is vital to community life and the growth of business. Its shortlisting for the RTPI Awards recognises our ambitious plans to regenerate our towns so that they are welcoming places, providing food, goods, employment and activities for the community.”

An appointed judging panel has reviewed all the entries for this year’s awards and a shortlist of projects has been selected. The awards are sponsored by No5 Chambers and Tetra Tech, and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November 2021.

For more information about the RTPI West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence, visit https://www.rtpi.org.uk/find-your-rtpi/rtpi-english-regions/rtpi-west-midlands/awards-for-planning-excellence/

Congratulations to West Bromwich Outdoor Market for being shortlisted and good luck!

#MadeInSandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #MadeInSandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.