Staffordshire town's £21m regeneration plan set to get underway this month with building society demolition
Work on knocking down a former building society as part of a £21million regeneration scheme will get underway in Tamworth this month.
Tamworth Borough Council’s plan to improve the walkway between the castle grounds and the town centre, lodged in 2023, was finally approved in December.
The scheme will see the 1970's era former Nationwide Building Society building demolished and a wider bridge created to the castle grounds from Market Street, with additional public realm improvements to create what the council describes as a wider and more welcoming space.
Removing the old building society will allow for better appreciation of the grade I listed Tamworth Castle and its grounds, the Town Hall and St Editha’s Church, the council says.
"It’s good to see the work for the finished design of the castle gateway has been approved, and our ambitious plans for this area will start taking shape," said Councillor Carol Dean, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council.
"This work has been agreed in full consultation with Historic England, Tamworth Borough Council’s conservation officer and the Staffordshire County Council Historic Environment Team.
"The new gateway will enhance the significance of both the existing grade II listed buildings on Market Street, our grade 1 listed castle, and the existing character and appearance of the conservation area.
"This work is part of our Future High Street Fund project. Our ambition for the town centre is substantial, yes it does mean further disruption in the short term as we transform the town centre into a vibrant, thriving place that meets the needs of residents, visitors and local businesses.
"Throughout all work, the town and market will be very much active, and I’d urge everyone to continue to support our local businesses and shop, socialise and visit the town centre."
Other works included in the authority's £21m regeneration scheme include a new Enterprise Centre in the original 19th Century former Co-operative building on Colehill, as well as remedial works to preserve historic vacant properties on Market Street.
Middle Entry renovations which will see some vacant units demolished to be replaced by a new flexible, multi-use building, for independent small businesses and public realm works that will link all the projects together are also set to take place.
Work on the scheme is planned to start this month.
