Masterplan for town gets the go-ahead

A multi-million pound masterplan for a development of homes, offices and shops in the centre of a Black Country town looks set to become a reality after winning the approval of town planners.

The Eastern Gateway development will change the face of West Bromwich High Street, Bull Street and Overend Street. Sandwell Council hopes that the plans will boost town centre living within West Bromwich as well as bringing new shops and businesses to the area.

The eight-acre development will be opposite the £70 million New Queens Square shopping centre and close to the new £77m Sandwell College development – set for approval in the next few weeks.

Consultation into the Eastern Gateway plans have been ongoing with traders since 2007.

Land at the former Aldi site in High Street was cleared in October 2007 and numbers 30-34 Overend Street were knocked down in January this year in preparation for the development.

Councillor Bob Badham, regeneration boss at Sandwell Council said: "We don't have a final figure on how much this will cost and how many new homes we will be providing, but we are working on these at the moment. What we do have is a definite commitment from funders Advantage West Midlands and the Homes and Communities Agency.

"As well as homes there will be shops and leisure facilities which will regenerate the town centre.

"This area forms a gateway to West Bromwich and we will be working closely with businesses that want to stay in the area.

Urban Regeneration company Regenco, which is bringing forward the plan, said in a report on its website: "Eastern Gateway will re-energise the area and create a fashionable place to live with stylish homes for all.

"The new development proposed to be delivered in a number of phases will provide and enhance the niche retail environment, playing a major role in setting West Bromwich apart from other town centres, attracting shoppers and visitors from across the region and beyond."

A decision, on the best way forward for the project is set to be made on October 15 with work to start on-site within the next 12 months.