Oldbury retail park reveals expansion plans with more shops bringing jobs boost

Two new units will be created at the Oldbury Green Retail Park while an existing store will be expanded, under the plans.

Owner Blackrock said the move would 'continue the wave of investment' at the complex and that they were keen to increase the number of stores available to customers.

The firm said the expansion would make Oldbury more attractive to shoppers.h

Bosses revealed they had already received interest for the new units at the retail park which has seen the likes of Costa Coffee and Smyth's Toys move in over recent years.

The retail park is a short distance from Sandwell and Dudley train station and the owners are keen to bring more shoppers in.

As well as new shops, existing businesses will also benefit from the expansion. Homesense will be extended as the shop is in need of a bigger space to display

items.

Thomas Cook is also set to leave its current unit for one of the new stores. Another store will be built next to Costa.

A design statement submitted with the plans said: "In recent years, Blackrock has invested significant capital in upgrading and refurbishing the site and this has facilitated improvements in the appearance of the retail park and has enabled Costa and Smyths Toys to open new units, which has enhanced the quality and choice of retail provision at Oldbury Green Retail Park.

"The application proposals seek to continue the wave of investment at this site, to enhance the offer of Oldbury town centre further."

The expansion of Oldbury Green will be another boost for the town's retail sector, coming on the back of approved plans for a new shopping complex on the 12-acre site of a former foundry on Bromford Road.

The development is being led by Hammerson, the owners of Birmingham's Bullring and Grand Central shopping centres, and work is expected to start within months.

The new units will be built on part of the retail park's car park, meaning the number of parking spaces will be reduced.

However, bosses said they were confident there would still be enough room for shoppers on the car park.

The design statement said: "These will result in a loss of 39 spaces. However, the remaining 573 spaces will continue to provide sufficient parking capacity to provide for all staff and customers visiting Oldbury Green Retail Park."

A decision of the expansion is expected to be made by Sandwell Council in the coming months.