The first phase of works by the Wednesbury High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) to improve public spaces in Wednesbury town centre is on track to be completed by the end of July. 

The Wednesbury HSHAZ project is part of Sandwell Council’s commitment, in partnership with Historic England, to support the town centre and highlight the historic significance of the area. The heritage-led regeneration scheme runs until March 2024.

Some of the improvements being #MadeInSandwell include the relocation of the Wednesbury open-air market to Market Place and the top of Union Street and the enhancement of Market Place with new cycling and walking developments to help boost the wellbeing of local people.

The new cycling and walking routes are being funded by the Active Travel Fund. The works are being carried out by Bridge Construction Ltd on behalf of Sandwell Council.

 The High Streets Heritage Action Zones is a £95m government-funded programme led by Historic England, designed to secure lasting improvements and help breathe new life into our historic high streets for the communities and businesses that use them. 

Historic England is working with local people and partners to unlock the rich heritage on our high streets, through repair and improvement works as well as arts and cultural programmes, making them more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors. Visit Historic England’s website to find out more. 

Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, said: “We are today writing to businesses in and around Wednesbury town centre to let them know about the progress we have made in the first full month since the works began. Most of the underground work has now been completed, and the first phase of the regeneration project is on track to be completed by the end of July.

“Over the coming weeks, Wednesbury residents and visitors to the town will start to see the new area take shape, as we install new kerbs, pave the area around Wednesbury Clock Tower and access road, and install granite steps and ramps to the Market Place carriageway.

“I would like to thank our residents, businesses and visitors to Wednesbury for their patience and forbearance during the course of the works. I would also apologise for any inconvenience caused as we make improvements to the town centre’s public spaces that should stimulate the wider regeneration of Wednesbury.”

More information about the improvements to Wednesbury town centre is available at www.sandwell.gov.uk/wednesburyhshaz.

 

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