Future of Brierley Hill hailed as 'very positive' by council leader
A council boss has hailed a "bright new future" for Brierley Hill after meeting with the new owners of the Merry Hill shopping centre.
Councillor Patrick Harley said the future looks "very positive" for the town following talks with Ellandi on a walkabout of the area.
The Dudley Council leader met with the business leaders alongside regeneration officers from the authority and community leaders.
Councillor Harley said: "We are delighted to welcome Ellandi to the borough, one of many good new stories that signal a bright new future for Brierley Hill.
"Like many retail sites, Merry Hill has been hit hard by the pandemic, but we will do all we can as a local authority to support [them].
"Add to that the millions of pounds pouring in as part of the Future High Streets Fund and the future looks very positive for Brierley Hill."
The top politician got to speak to bosses about their plans for the leisure and retail complex, pledged support from the council, and looked at potential links from the High Street to Merry Hill – following plans by Ellandi for £50 million to be spent on the shopping centre.
Councillor Harley also highlighted the £10m Future High Streets grants from the Government as a catalyst for regeneration in the town, which was announced earlier this year.
The leader was joined by officers from the council along with business bosses and community leaders in Brierley Hill to talk about plans for the area and how they could work together to improve things.
Mark Robinson, founder of Ellandi and chairman of the government’s High Street taskforce, added: "There are a lot of exciting opportunities in Brierley Hill and I am really encouraged by the vision and the enthusiasm of the council and the community.
"We have to look at every opportunity we can to work together and bring about improvements to the whole of Brierley Hill."
Key to the transformation will be works to the High Street to improve connectivity and integration with the new Metro terminus linking Brierley Hill to Wednesbury, say council chiefs.
Community groups have been highlighted as "key to the future" of the town especially the work of Brierley Hill Community Forum. Tim Sunter, chairman of the group, said: "Brierley Hill High Street faces significant challenges. Community run activities such as Brierley Hill in Bloom, litter picks and Heritage Open Days demonstrate the passion and commitment of local residents and stakeholders to the town. There is now an opportunity to work with the local authority and other partners to see some real improvements."
