Following this phase, it is anticipated that Market Place will then be opened up to vehicle traffic.

The Wednesbury High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) improvements will enhance Market Place, relocate the open-air market to Market Place and the top of Union Street, and boost people’s wellbeing through new cycling and walking developments – the latter funded by the Active Travel Fund.

The works are being carried out by Bridge Construction Ltd on behalf of Sandwell Council.

Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, said: “We are today writing to businesses in and around Wednesbury town centre to let them know about the progress we have made in the first full month since the works began. Most of the underground work has now been completed, and the first phase of the regeneration project is on track to be completed by the end of July.

“Over the coming weeks, Wednesbury residents and visitors to the town will start to see the new area take shape, as we install new kerbs, pave the area around Wednesbury Clock Tower and access road, and install granite setts and ramps to the Market Place carriageway.

“I would like to thank our residents, businesses and visitors to Wednesbury for their patience and forbearance during the course of the works. I would also apologise for any inconvenience caused as we make improvements to the town centre’s public spaces that should stimulate the wider regeneration of Wednesbury.”

Find out more about improvements to Wednesbury town centre (the text takes you to a web link).

The Wednesbury HSHAZ project is part of Sandwell Council’s commitment, in partnership with Historic England, to support the town centre and highlight the historic significance of the area. The heritage-led regeneration scheme runs until March 2024.

The High Streets Heritage Action Zones is a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England, designed to secure lasting improvements and help breathe new life into our historic high streets for the communities and businesses that use them. Historic England is working with local people and partners to unlock the rich heritage on these high streets, through repair and improvement works as well as arts and cultural programmes, making them more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors.

Find out more about High Streets Heritage Action Zones (the text takes you to a web link).

Historic England is the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment, from beaches and battlefields to parks and pie shops. They protect, champion and save the places that define who we are and where we’ve come from as a nation. Historic England care passionately about the stories these places tell, the ideas they represent and the people who live, work and play among them. Working with communities and specialists, Historic England share their passion, knowledge and skills to inspire interest, care and conservation, so everyone can keep enjoying and looking after the history that surrounds us all.