Multi-million plans for West Bromwich, Smethwick and Rowley Regis

The cash boost is part of a government-funded scheme to spend up to £25m each on West Bromwich, Smethwick and Rowley Regis.

The regeneration schemes are part of the Towns Fund which sees cash being spent on new homes, improved transport links and major projects to rejuvenate local communities.

The shortlisted schemes have been submitted to a council ‘superboard' which will now choose which projects go to the government for final approval.

Some of the major schemes being discussed include in West Bromwich, a £15m redevelopment which is hoped will boost shops in West Bromwich alongside a £3.7m regeneration of Sandwell College’s Engineering Centre which will provide training in construction and engineering for local people.

There are also plans to spend £8m relocating public services into the Town Hall and Central Library on the High Street by extending the existing building and opening up space for community organisations and businesses.

In Smethwick, a £14m Health Education centre is planned in partnership between Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, the University of Wolverhampton and Sandwell College creating the borough’s first university campus.

Meanwhile 800 homes could be built by buying up land within the Grove Lane area and a ‘Youth, Community, Sport and Education Space’ in the renovated West Smethwick Park would see all-year facilities at the cost £1.2m.

In Rowley Regis, tower blocks in the town could benefit from a £5m energy efficiency scheme which will reduce fuel poverty by replacing outdated heating systems while training youngsters new job skills.

It’s also proposed to spend just over £11m building an education centre in Cradley Heath which provide teaching and training for 16-year-olds and unemployed adults.

Blackheath could benefit from the pedestrianisation of its town centre and the creation of new bus station.