I am delighted to see the community in Bilston coming together to develop plans that could transform the town centre – and I have pledged to lobby Government to help win funding.
A significant part of a £48million bid by Wolverhampton to the Government’s Towns Deal could reinvent the area around Bilston Market. These plans are truly exciting and could be a real game-changer for Bilston. Through the Government’s Towns Fund, Wolverhampton is developing a bid for £48million to help rejuvenate town centres, reclaim derelict sites, support the high street, build homes and revitalise communities.
It is an ambitious ask, but I’m hopeful that soon millions of pounds will be awarded to the city – and a £1million downpayment has already been announced. Under the local plans, £7.75m could go to revamping Bilston market and improving the entrances to the High Street.
Initially, Wolverhampton has been awarded £1m from the fund, which will be used to support projects such as new green spaces, the creation of pop-up businesses zones, pedestrianising streets to encourage walking and cycling and launching new community hubs to support people who live alone.
The money forms part of a national £80m boost to regeneration involving 101 areas and is the first part of the Government’s £3.6bn plan to "level up" communities across England.
Under the ambitious plans for Bilston Market, Wolverhampton City Council would first carry out a study to build a business case, appraising the current market and consulting local people. There would also be the enhancement of entrances of Bilston High Street and off the Black Country Route, reorganisation and refurbishment of indoor and outdoor markets and the introduction of new small retail units.
The WMCA is also backing Bilston as part of its own Town Centre regeneration work – including purchasing the derelict Pipe Hall in the town.
Bilston has such a lot to offer, and its brilliant market is a great example of that. But like many town centres its retail sector has struggled in recent years as people’s shopping habits have changed. Businesses close and their buildings stand empty and go to wrack and ruin. But the WMCA is determined to help revive town centres, and I am delighted that we have been able to purchase Pipe Hall to help the redevelopment of Bilston town centre.