Former coal mine discovery under old Wednesbury Market prompts safety works
Former coal mines have been discovered beneath the old Wednesbury Market, which is due to be redeveloped as part of a scheme to transform the town centre.
Sandwell Council wants to transform the former outdoor market zone as part of ongoing efforts to prepare the site for future uses under the Wednesbury Town Centre Masterplan. But before the major works can go ahead, contractors need to carry out remedial work to stabilise the land and fill in shallow mine workings underneath.
The council said the works are scheduled for four weeks and will focus on "stabilising shallow mine workings" beneath the site.
No construction work is being carried out at this stage, only preparatory works to ensure the site is safe.
The remedial effort will be carried out between 8am and 5pm Mondays–Fridays.
The council said there will be some noise disruption in the town centre caused by drilling and machinery, and said every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience.
It said the project, funded through the Wednesbury Levelling Up Partnership by the Government, was an important step in securing the site and preparing it for future regeneration opportunities that will benefit residents. It will follow remediation of High Bullen Car Park and the former Spires Health Centre site on Victoria Street in 2025.
Any future building proposals will be subject to further planning applications and consultation.
It is commonplace for major land projects in the region to be impacted by old mine works, remnants of the Black Country's mining heritage.
