£10m Brierley Hill bid goes to government

Dudley Council has outlined an investment package worth £9.9 million to the government’s Future High Street Fund, which if approved will help breathe new life into Brierley Hill town centre.

The authority had previously submitted an expression of interest for the town and it was one of 100 to be shortlisted for the next stage of the assessment.

The council has now finalised its plans and outlined how the money would be used to create a new chapter for Brierley Hill over a five-year period.

Plans will complement existing regeneration projects in the area including the Midland Metro extension, which will connect Brierley Hill to Dudley, Wednesbury and the wider rail network, the establishment of an enterprise zone on the Waterfront and the £2 million Historic England grant to improve properties along the town’s High Street.

The additional funding would be used to help connect the town to the new Metro stop through improving public spaces, create new housing and retail opportunities to boost footfall in the town centre, improve traffic flow and air quality and upgrade the town’s library.

It would also allow the council to work with the private sector to bring in further investment into the town.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: “Brierley Hill has a strong industrious past, developed as an area rooted in manufacturing. But the town has changed a great deal over many years. Now is the time to champion its future and create an exciting new chapter, which sees growth, an improved visitor experience and its sustainability secured long-term.”