Sandwell Council is inviting people to have their say on its proposals to create a central bus interchange and new public space around Blackheath Market Place.
The public consultation will run from 10 January to 13 February 2023. Two consultation events will also be held from 10.00 – 15.30 on Tuesday 17 January at Blackheath Library, and from 10.00- 14.30 on Friday 20 January at Blackheath Market.
Under the proposed £4.27 million project funded by the Government’s Towns Fund and other partner organisations, the Council proposes to build an interchange and improve arrangements for pedestrians, cyclists and for delivery vehicles. The creation of new public spaces and a focal point to the town centre will involve the exclusion of through traffic from Birmingham Road and Market Place, and redirection via the bypass (Archer Way).
The investment in Blackheath, which is currently the only town in Sandwell without a bus station or interchange, presents an opportunity to solve the problems which have restricted the town’s growth and prosperity.
The interchange would bring the bus stops closer together, making it easier and more convenient to locate stops, change services and wait in comfort. It would offer improved bus shelters with more room, better seating, lighting and real-time bus information.
A new paved, sheltered and landscaped public space in Market Place would provide a much-needed centre of interest for the town and make it more attractive, safer and easier to use for pedestrians and cyclists. Much-needed seating, greenery and an events space are also proposed within the heart of the town centre.
The Council and its partners recognise that the proposals will affect Blackheath’s businesses and users and are keen to engage and explain what these plans involve and respond to the questions and concerns people may have.
In order to ensure all voices are represented, the public consultation will include drop-in sessions, leaflet drops, online and postal questionnaires and social media posts
Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, Councillor Peter Hughes, said: “This is an exciting project for Blackheath, which brings in substantial investment to create a bus interchange and central public space to improve the environment and support the prosperity of the town centre. By restricting through-traffic, the Council will prioritise the needs of those who support the town centre’s businesses, especially bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians
“The Council will carry out extensive consultation with all town centre users, businesses and other stakeholders, to ensure those affected have their voices represented. Like most projects there are clear risks, which we believe we have addressed, and have appropriate mitigation methods in place. This investment really has potential to deliver great benefits to Blackheath and contribute to its future growth and prosperity.”
The deadline for feedback is 13 February 2023, so participants are encouraged to complete their forms by then.
For more information, please visit the consultation webpage here:
www.sandwell.gov.uk/consultation
