The planning scheme for West Bromwich Outdoor Market has been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence.
Situated in the heart of West Bromwich High Street, the Outdoor Market redevelopment has improved the visual features of the area, delivering part of Sandwell Council’s sustainability agenda, and increasing the economic impact of the market, which is at the cultural heart of the town centre.
Solar panels on the new market stalls power the stall lighting, and any surplus energy goes back to the grid, making the market a net contributor to energy in the borough. The scheme was a finalist The Energy Awards 2021, which recognised its green credentials.
The use of such innovative technology, combined with the development being a distinctive market facility for traders, means that it appeals to shoppers, visitors and future traders.
Funding for the project came from the government’s Accelerated Towns Fund, following a successful bid by Sandwell Council.
The RTPI represents 25,000 planning professionals worldwide and promotes spatial planning, shapes policy and raises professional standards.
The West Midlands awards celebrate examples of how planning and planners make a positive impact on our quality of life, creating exceptional places to live, play and work while protecting our environment.
Councillor Rajbir Singh, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: West Bromwich Outdoor Market is at the heart of the town, and its redevelopment as a distinctive, successful centre is vital to community life and the growth of business. Its shortlisting for the RTPI Awards recognises our ambitious plans to regenerate our towns so that they are welcoming places, providing food, goods, employment and activities for the community.
Find out more about the RTPI West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence
The awards are sponsored by No5 Chambers and Tetra Tech, and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November 2021.
