Express & Star

Dudley masterplan revealed amid £40m transformation

A £41 million masterplan bringing improvements to transport along with boosts to tourism and shopping in Dudley have been showcased today.

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(l-R) Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration at Dudley Council; Jeremy Knight-Adams, Managing Director at Avenbury Properties which owns Cavendish House; Council leader Patrick Harley; West Midlands Mayor Andy Street; Dudley Council's chief executive Sarah Norman; and Ninder Johal, board member at the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership

Council bosses today told West Midlands Mayor Andy Street how they are tabling bids towards the multi-million pound transformation.

During the visit, the leader of the council, Councillor Patrick Harley, set out the proposals to breathe new life into Dudley town centre.

If the council successfully secures the funding, it will be used to support a number of key regeneration projects in the town centre.

This includes the redevelopment of the eyesore Cavendish House, off Trindle Road, which has left empty and at the mercy of vandals.

Andy Street welcomes bid to transform Dudley

Plans are in the pipeline for the development of a new Midland Metro and bus interchange improving access to Dudley Zoo, the Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Canal Trust.

Officials believe the funds will lever in an additional £100million in match-funding and private sector investment.

Other projects discussed on the day included plans for a light rail innovation centre to be built and the transform the Waterfront, in Brierley Hill.

This would feature the creation of a new music institute and Midland Metro stops, under proposals.

Dudley College Principal Lowell Williams showcased the new ‘Advance II’ building which is its new Centre for Advanced Building Technologies.

Mr Street said: “It’s great to see an authority with ambition and a clear plan to work with key partners, businesses and developers to boost the local economy and drive forward change.

"During my visit today, I have seen for myself the difference investment and regeneration has made in Dudley town centre and I strongly support the authority’s plans.”

Councillor Harley added: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome Mr Street to the historic capital of the Black Country.

"We’ve got a lot to be proud of in Dudley, our heritage and culture sets us apart along with the significant progress we have made in recent years to transform areas of the borough, particularly Dudley town centre.

“But we know there’s more to do and we are absolutely committed to making it happen.

"It’s essential we get this funding to support the private sector and the economy to help get some key projects off the ground.”

More details in tomorrow's Express & Star.