West Bromwich High Street improvements gathering momentum
Work is gathering pace on a multi-million pound improvement project to smarten up West Bromwich High Street.
Paving work has started, in Duchess Parade, part of the pedestrian stretch of High Street.
As well as modern, smart paving, new seating, plants and bins will be introduced to create a more attractive town centre.
The work is the next stage in the revitalisation of the High Street as part of the Public Realm project.
Last year the iconic red Sandwell Centre canopy and kiosk were demolished along with the Farley Centre canopy to create a more open shopping environment.
Once the Duchess Parade end of the pedestrian High Street is completed, similar improvements will be carried out to the Princess Parade end.
Improvements include refurbished market stalls and an area for performances and events.
Sandwell's cabinet member for jobs and skills, Councillor Derek Rowley, welcomed the latest work.
"You really can see the improvements to the pedestrian High Street starting to take shape. This is a major piece of work which will give the existing town centre a much needed lift and hopefully attract new businesses and shoppers," Councillor Rowley said.
The Public Realm project involves upgrading streets, squares and other open spaces in and around the town centre.
Sandwell Council and its partners secured funding of £4.1 million from the European Regional Development Fund for the scheme which has already seen new paving, trees and street furniture installed along High Street, Bull Street, Overend Street, and at the new Sandwell College.
