£3 million to bring Dudley's derelict buildings back to life

Dudley is to get £3 million from the Government to bring vacant and neglected town-centre buildings back into use.

The cash injection forms part of the wider £125 million Derelict Buildings Fund, which will see £125 million shared between 60 local authorities across the UK.

Communities Secretary Angela Rayner made the announcement after Dudley MP Sonia Kumar raised the plight of the town centre during a debate in the House of Commons.

Potential sites could include the former gas showroom, the former Debenhams and McDonalds building, and the derelict Thoms store in High Street. The former post office, on the corner of Priory Street and Wolverhampton Street, could be another potential target.

Mrs Rayner also announced a new £210 million ‘high streets strategy’ to help town centres attract new businesses, services and community uses, as well as measures to give local communities a greater say over the future of their town centres.

Miss Kumar said the announcement represented a significant opportunity for Dudley as efforts continued to regenerate the town centre, support local businesses, and attract new investment.

She said: "Dudley High Street has enormous potential to thrive and prosper once again. For too long we have seen too many empty shops and businesses struggling to stay afloat.

"I welcome the Government's commitment to invest in our town centre, including £3 million to bring derelict buildings back into use and support regeneration here in Dudley.”

Miss Kumar said the investment was being backed up by practical support for local businesses.

“The Budget announced measures to make it easier for small firms to succeed, including business rates reforms that will reduce costs for many high street businesses and additional support for entrepreneurs and start-ups.

"That's good news for existing businesses in Dudley and for people with the ambition to open a new shop, café or business in our town centre. By backing local enterprise and regenerating our high street, we can create new opportunities, bring vacant buildings back into use and help Dudley thrive once again.

"Local people know our town best, and it's right that residents will have a greater say in shaping the future of the high street. Together, these measures can help create a stronger, more vibrant town centre that works for local businesses, residents and visitors alike."