Sandwell announces result of Wednesbury HSHAZ and ATF consultation
Published 21st December 2021
Sandwell Council is pleased to announce that the majority of respondents to the Wednesbury town centre High Street Heritage Action Zone public realm and Active Travel Fund consultation were in favour.
72% of respondents were supportive or somewhat supportive of the proposal to create a vibrant and welcoming space, with 73% of respondents approving of Market Place becoming a more community focused space and 65% of respondents supportive of the transport related proposals.
The scheme will be funded by Historic England, who are a partner in the scheme, with match funding available from Sandwell Council.
The wider Wednesbury HSHAZ scheme includes proposals to enlarge the pedestrian space in Market Place and introducing a new one-way system, improvements to historic shopfronts within the conservation area, the sustainable renovation of the Wednesbury Clock Tower, an enlarged public realm area that is suitable for events together with pedestrian and highway improvements, the relocation of the current open-air market and the consideration of the potential to extend the existing conservation area and number of listed buildings.
A series of events and activities will also be delivered as part of the community engagement and cultural programme that encourages local stakeholders to not only share their experiences but also learn about the heritage of Wednesbury.
The council is now looking at how the scheme could be amended to address some of the concerns raised particularly around the location of disabled parking bays.
Councillor Iqbal Padda, Sandwell’s cabinet member for regeneration and growth said:
“I would like to thank the hundreds of people that took the time to give us their views on our plans for Wednesbury. It is encouraging how many people are supportive of our plans and we look forward to being able to implement these changes to make Wednesbury a destination of choice.”