Regeneration boost for Dudley town centre following major transport investment
Shops and businesses in Dudley are to benefit from a new funding package to help them make the most of the new West Midlands Metro extension and Dudley Interchange opening this year.
The £300,000 package will deliver improvements to the town centre, offer support for individual businesses and fund an enhanced marketing campaign to boost trade.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, is keen for shopkeepers to be ready to benefit from the arrival of new transport infrastructure.
He said: “I know it’s been a struggle for both retailers and hospitality businesses in recent years as they’ve had to cope with the rising cost of living and wider challenges from online shopping to our high streets.
“But better days are ahead. The new Metro line and transport interchange will be a fantastic gateway to the town centre – offering a modern, affordable and reliable way to visit. And I want to make sure those businesses are ready to make the most of it.
“So this funding will be used to both attract more visitors to town centre and give them a reason to keep coming back time and time again.”
The package of support includes:
- · £150,000 grant funding via Business Growth West Midlands to offer tailored support to shops and businesses surrounding the new Dudley Interchange
- · A further £160,000 for public realm improvements to be designed in collaboration with businesses
- · A budget for marketing activity – advertising and events – to encourage more people to visit the town
- Cllr Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “We asked the WMCA to develop a package of town centre support and I’m very pleased to see that effort realised in this new funding commitment.
“It demonstrates a clear understanding of the pressures local traders have faced and provides exactly the type of practical help needed to ensure they can take full advantage of the opportunities presented by securing funding to improve our town centre.
“This package is a significant step forward in supporting businesses, improving the town centre environment, and ensuring Dudley is ready to thrive as new major transport projects come online.”
With construction complete, testing and commissioning of the new West Midlands Metro extension from Wednesbury to Dudley town centre is under way to prepare for opening later in the summer. It will add 14 stops in Sandwell and Dudley to the Metro network including stops serving key visitor attractions the Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Zoo and Castle.
The further extension to Merry Hill Waterfront and Shopping Centre is currently underway.
The Dudley Interchange, which has replaced the old bus station, is also nearing completion and is expected to open to bus services in the autumn.
Dudley Council is also carrying out a major upgrade of the Burnt Tree junction to improve road access into the town.