£200m centre may move a step closer

The £200 million new shopping and leisure development planned for West Bromwich town centre could move a step closer next week, when council chiefs are due to give planning permission.

Planners at Sandwell Council have recommended the proposals be given the green light, kickstarting the area's long-awaited regeneration. The centrepiece of the ambitious transformation will be a Tesco Extra supermarket with a striking floor-to-ceiling glass front.

The plans also include a petrol station, a 70-bedroom room hotel, shops, car parking a public area and other related works.

The development has been in the pipeline for the past 10 years and a decision will made on the plans – submitted to the authority in May – next Wednesday.

If passed work could start on site in the new year.

Bosses at Tesco said that planning permission will mean talks can start in earnest with potential investors.

The developers have already drawn up a list of high street favourites they would like to attract to the development, including Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and Primark.

Tony Fletcher, spokesman for Tesco said: "We are delighted that the application will be considered next week.

"This means we will be able to move forward with negotiations with other shops and businesses, which is something that is difficult to do when things are at a hypothetical stage, before planning permission is granted.

"If the recommendations are approved, work will begin as planned in 2010."

The first phase of the 37-acre development could be under way by 2010, with the Tesco Extra supermarket and majority of the shops earmarked to be open by October 2011, with leisure facilities including a long-awaited cinema, due by spring 2012.

No start date has yet been set for the second phase to include a department store and hotel, which would begin, depending on economic interest.

Developers have highlighted the need to attract a high quality retail brand as the "anchor".

Council leaders hope the development will kickstart West Browmich's night-time economy and regeneration of the town.