Have a say on bid to revamp areas

Residents’ opinions on plans to overhaul two run-down areas of Dudley are to be considered by council bosses before final schemes are drawn up.

Pensnett and Shell Corner are both in line for a revamp as part of plans to breathe new life into the two areas.

Plans for Pensnett include a new doctors’ surgery, more houses, centralised parking area, demolition of run-down properties and major junction improvements.

Leading international regeneration company DTZ has been drafted in to help draw up the multi-million pound scheme which is expected to take 10 years to complete.

The report drawn up by DTZ states: “New buildings, with the exception of the chemist and the High Oak pub, would replace those buildings on the High Street.

“This would allow for purpose-built premises for new uses and provide a dramatic change to the image of the centre. Although the most disruptive, this option has the capacity to generate and sustain the greatest economic growth.”

Plans for Shell Corner are less ambitious but are aimed at making it a more attractive place for people to live and work in.

Experts say the central area has become increasingly run-down over the last 20 years with more and more shops boarded up. They believe it has suffered from being close to Blackheath in neighbouring Sandwell which has recently attracted two major supermarkets. The potential of key sites has been considered and regeneration bosses believe there is scope to develop two parts of the central area for retail and housing.

Other improvements could include better lighting as a lot of people say they do not feel safe in the centre after dark, road and junction improvements, more short stay parking and making the central area more attractive by improving the appearance of shops, planting trees and installing public art.