Vision for future of West Bromwich High Street unveiled
Ambitious designs outlining the multi-million pound revamp of part of West Bromwich High Street have been revealed to the public.
The scheme will see the old Sandwell College building demolished and replaced by a modern development which could include apartments, shops and a hotel. The proposals have been drawn up government body the Homes and Communities Agency, which invests in local regeneration projects. A public exhibition was held at West Bromwich Central Library.
The plans see the nine storey Sandwell College tower block disappear and replaced with a lower six storey modern building. The ground floor of the building has been designed to house retail units, whilst the upper floors could house apartments, a hotel or even offices.
The firm Jones Lang LaSalle plan to apply for outline planning permission on behalf of the agency.
Architect Terry Bolton, from BBLB Architects, said: "The design aims to show potential developers what they could use the space for, and also to show the general public what style of building is proposed to replace the Sandwell College tower."
The building will be lower than the neighbouring West Bromwich Building Society building, and it will be broken up by glass panels on the front. Mr Bolton has designed a courtyard space where people can sit. There will be a 64 space car park which will be accessed via Dartmouth Street, but there is also potential for it to be accessed off High Street.
Mr Bolton added: "The aim was to make sure the striking West Bromwich Building Society building is still the main focus of the High Street."
Resident Janet Male, aged 69, of Wall Street, attended the exhibition yesterday. She said: "The plans are quite clear, and I think they look acceptable and a good design for the High Street.
"It is good to be able to have our say on the plan."
