£1m investment vow made for West Bromwich shops
More than £1 million is to be invested into West Bromwich town centre after business leaders agreed to pay extra tax to fund improvements.
Nearly nine out of 10 businesses surveyed by council bosses agreed to dip into their pockets for the benefit of the town.
The agreement means West Bromwich is now a Business Improvement District, BID, which has been set up with the aim of providing more services for businesses and retailers.
Bosses say the extra funding will aim to fill empty shops, improve town centre cleaning and signage, stage more events and encourage more people to shop in West Bromwich.
Cash will be spent on a new marketing campaign and town centre website in an effort to boost the town centre's fortunes.
A total of £1.25 million will be generated from the creation of the scheme, which will become operational from July.
Businesses who have contributed to the scheme will also have a say on where the money is spent.
Around 400 businesses will pay up to £5,000 as part of the agreement with the rate dependant on the size of their premises, though the council added some of the smallest firms would not have to part with any cash at all.
Mel Glasby, chair of the Town Centre Management Partnership, said: "This is great news for West Bromwich. The BID will ensure the town centre is a great place to do business.
"It will also mean that West Bromwich will have sustained funding for the next five years, attracting more consumers to the town centre and enhancing the town's reputation as a prime retail and leisure destination for the West Midlands."
The announcement is regarded as the latest boost for West Bromwich town centre, which has undergone significant regeneration in recent years.
It follows the £200 million Tesco development, while the Eastern Gateway development which has seen nearly 100 homes built in the heart of the town is nearing completion.
Black Country Chamber of Commerce president Ninder Johal hailed the agreement as a sign of improving confidence among business chiefs.
He said: "The recent bid which has now been approved shows confidence both in West Bromwich and the Black Country as a whole.
"West Bromwich, as we all know, has been regenerated to a huge extent over the last few years, bringing in more visitors and attracting inward investment."
Mr Johal said the fact businesses were willing to help fund the project was a further show of strength.
"It is another sign that confident levels are going up in the region," he said.
