11 - Regenerating the Black Country

Archived news release from 2007

The Department for Communities and Local Government has supported amendments to the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy, a long term strategy for the region’s renaissance over the next 15 years.

It recognises the potential for Brierley Hill to join Wolverhampton city centre and Walsall and West Bromwich town centres as a fourth strategic centre for the Black Country. These centres will be the focus for new commercial and retail development, creating employment opportunities, along with new homes.

Dudley’s future renaissance, founded on the town’s unique tourism and cultural heritage, such as Castle Hill, the museum and Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve was also fully endorsed, alongside its potential for residential development and its continued civic role.

The report supports the development of the Metro extension to Brierley Hill and equally recognises the importance of creating quality bus, cycling and walking routes.

The provision of new high quality homes along transport corridors will create a much greater variety of choice of homes and living environments for people in the Black Country.

The report follows an examination in public in January 2007 when the Black Country Consortium and the Black Country authorities put forward the case for the groundbreaking proposals.

The strategy aims to focus new investment in key centres and corridors and also puts forward proposals for strengthening policies relating to the environment, transport, industrial and commercial growth.

“This is a resounding endorsement of the four local authorities’ vision for the Black Country’s future.

“While these are exciting times for the future of Brierley Hill, it is equally important that Dudley is recognised as a key heritage and tourism centre to help its regeneration and renaissance.

“The whole of the borough will benefit from the major investment which will be attracted and the wealth of regeneration opportunities which lie ahead of us.

 “This report is good news for everyone living and working and investing in Dudley borough and the Black Country.”

The government proposals will now go out to consultation until November 9. The recommendations will then be finalised before receiving final approval by the Secretary of State, which is expected early in the new year.