Options for overhaul of Dudley market unveiled

Three new layout options for Dudley's ailing market have been unveiled today as part of a £6 million facelift plan.

And a bid for funding to kick-start the project has moved a step closer.

It comes as the first artist's impressions showing what the market could look like following the redevelopment are released.

Dudley Council's cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Les Jones said an application for cash from the European Regional Development Fund had passed the first stage.

A decision on whether bosses will be given a £3m grant towards the scheme will be announced later this year.

The rest of the money is coming from council capital receipts and once the funding is secured, work on the redevelopment could get under way by the middle of next year, with completion expected in summer 2013.

Regeneration councillor Les Jones said: "Dudley's market place is the only one of its kind in the region to be located in the heart of a town's high street, so the makeover is the fundamental showpiece project to the wider regeneration of Dudley town centre.

"The project will make up the biggest revamp of the town in more than two decades and it will breathe fresh life into the existing market place, to create a continual market boulevard."

A public consultation on the plans, including three design options for the stall layouts, has been launched. People can give their views on the proposals until April 29.