Work is about to begin on a major programme of improvements to Owen Street, marking a key milestone in the Tipton Town Centre Regeneration Project.
The project will transform Owen Street into a safer, more attractive and more pedestrian-friendly route through the town centre. Key improvements include:
- New street lighting for better visibility and safety
- Resurfaced pavements for improved accessibility
- Improved pedestrian crossings on raised tables
- Bus stops brought closer together for easier connections
- A 20mph zone to reduce vehicle speeds
- Tree planting and landscaping along Owen Street and the precinct
Town centre businesses remain open as usual throughout the works, and residents are encouraged to continue supporting local shops and traders. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times, despite road closures.
Works are being carried out by the council’s appointed contractor, McPhillips, and are scheduled to run from 16 February 2026 until July 2026.
As part of the programme, Cadent Gas will carry out planned works from 16 February to 13 March 2026, during which a full road closure will be in place. To minimise disruption, McPhillips will work alongside Cadent Gas to complete as much of the regeneration work as possible while the road is already closed. The road closure will then remain in place for a further two weeks, until 27 March 2026, to allow safe completion of the works. The closure will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with ongoing updates provided to residents and businesses.
Councillor Keith Allcock, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways at Sandwell Council, said: “These works will make a real difference to how people move around Owen Street, whether they are walking, using public transport or driving through the town centre.
“By upgrading pavements, crossings and street lighting, introducing a 20mph limit, we’re improving safety while doing everything we can to reduce disruption. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained, and we’ll continue to keep residents and traders informed as the works progress.”
Councillor Peter Hughes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure at Sandwell Council, said: “These improvements to Owen Street are a major step forward for Tipton town centre. We are creating safer streets, better crossings, and a more attractive environment for everyone. I want to reassure residents and visitors that town centre businesses are open as usual, and we encourage people to continue shopping locally while the works are carried out. The long-term benefits for the community will be well worth any short-term disruption.”
The Owen Street works form a central part of the wider Tipton regeneration programme, which aims to create a safer, more vibrant town centre, encourage investment and increase footfall. The overall programme is supported by £20 million of government funding, alongside investment from Sandwell Council.