Ambitious plans to transform West Bromwich town centre’s business district are to take place as part of a £30 million investment from Advantage West Midlands.
West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson and Advantage West Midlands Chief Executive Mick Laverty visited the town centre to discuss the plans on a walkabout.
Advantage West Midlands has pledged £30 million of funding which, it is hoped, will generate more than £300 million in private investment.
Contracts have been finalised in partnership with RegenCo, the urban regeneration company for West Bromwich, Smethwick and Hill Top, to purchase Sandwell College’s high street campus, which will act as a catalyst for further regeneration.
Advantage West Midlands will lease the site back to the college until the New Sandwell College in Spon Lane is complete in 2010/11.
Mr Watson and Mr Laverty met with Sandwell College Chair of Governors John Tew to discuss the development and view the sites.
Mr Laverty said the investment was great news for West Bromwich.
“We have ambitious plans to revitalise West Bromwich. This is an opportunity to combine the best of the old Victorian architecture with new public space and high quality modern buildings for both office and residential uses.”
“The new schemes will create many new opportunities for employers, residents and investors, helping to give the economy of the area a visible boost.
Tom Watson, MP for West Bromwich East, said: “I am delighted that this deal has been completed. It will not only help the College move to brand new facilities but is the first stage in the overall development plans for the town centre.
“We need to ensure that the town centre regains its place as an attractive focal point for the whole community and the new College will help achieve this aim.”
Work is due to start on the £80 million state of the art college this year, replacing the current facilities in Smethwick, Oldbury and West Bromwich.
Located in the heart of West Bromwich, adjacent to the Metro station and bus station, it will be one of the larger Further Education Colleges in the West Midlands with over 10,000 students.
Val Bailey, Principal of Sandwell College, said: “This is an exciting time for West Bromwich and Sandwell College is keen to be part of the regeneration programme.
“Our new campus will provide local people and the business community with high quality training facilities in a fantastic location. We welcome the support offered by AWM on this project.”
The development is in accord with the 30-year vision for West Bromwich derived from the Black Country Study, which proposes 325,000 sq m of office development in the town between 2003 and 2031.