West Midlands mayor Andy Street says plans to transform Sutton Coldfield’s town centre could “lead the region” – and has pledged to become a sponsor of the ambitious project.
Mr Street, who leads the West Midlands Combined Authority, has written to Cllr Simon Ward, chair of the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership and leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, offering his “firm commitment” to support the plan.
He told Cllr Ward: “I am in full support of the Town Council and Regeneration Partnership's vision, and you can be assured you have my firm commitment to work to ensure the resources of the Combined Authority are deployed to support you in delivering the plan.
“It very much sits with our wider regional plan to help our town and city centres with targeted interventions to support their future.
“This includes, of course, transport investment and the promotion of residential development to help drive footfall and breathe life into formerly almost-exclusively retail destinations.
“Once again, Sutton Coldfield has an opportunity to lead the region in transforming its town centre and securing its ability not just to survive but to thrive.”
The Sutton Coldfield Town Centre Masterplan was published in August by the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership (TCRP) and sets out an ambitious road map to making Royal Sutton Coldfield town centre a great place for local people, visitors, businesses and investors in the short and long term.
Mr Street added: "I would therefore be delighted to take the next steps forward in our partnership by becoming a sponsor of this critically important project.
"In making a full contribution to the success of this masterplan we will work to secure the development of the new flagship transport interchange, alongside other transport improvements such as better buses.
"We will also, of course, continue to back the project when it comes to funding bids and other support, as a strong and active advocate for the town in association with you."
At the heart of the Masterplan are a series of exciting ‘Big Moves’. These were consulted on during February and March 2020 with residents, organisations, and landowners, and subsequently refined to produce the final recommendations, including:
• Reducing segregation caused by the ring road to better connect Birmingham Road, Parade, High Street and Sutton Park – breaking the ‘concrete collar’
• Balancing the space given to cars, bicycles and people to create safer, more appealing streets
• Creating new innovative public spaces at the heart of the town centre – inspiring more community use, and improving the look and feel of Parade and Lower Parade with more seating, lighting and greenery
• Encouraging opportunities to broaden the type of shops, bars, restaurants and community and heritage facilities in the town centre, while promoting opportunities for town centre living
• Protecting and promoting the historical environment in the town centre, living up to the ‘Royal’ name, and introducing more natural features and planting
Cllr Simon Ward said: "It’s great to get such passionate support and endorsement for our plans from our West Midlands Mayor. Andy Street has been a real voice for our Royal Town.
"He is providing significant practical support with the Transport Interchange which is set to be a catalyst for so many of the ambitious and exciting plans within the master plan.
"Andy and his team are integral to all that we are looking to achieve as we drive forward to give Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Centre a bright and sustainable future."
