Boxpark and cinema included in huge plan which could transform Wednesbury town centre

Sandwell Council has unveiled ambitious plans to revitalise Wednesbury as part of its ‘masterplan’ for the Black Country town.

The long-term strategy includes plans for a boxpark-style venue filled with shipping containers providing a space for independent businesses and food and drink sellers as well as live music and an outdoor cinema.

Wednesbury’s historic Gaumont Cinema in Walsall Street, which closed in 2010 and has been left to fall into ruin, could also be transformed and re-opened as a new cinema and theatre – with the ‘masterplan’ also revealing the site could be used as an entertainment complex with a bowling alley arcades or adventure golf or as an arts, events and exhibition space.

New bars and restaurants would also be included.

But the document is still very much a ‘vision’ for Wednesbury town centre with nothing yet set in stone or funded.

Sandwell Council said the plan would be used as a ‘guide’ in decision-making as well as to help access money – particularly government funding.

It also aims to tackle the ‘isolated’ parts of the town centre with work to Dudley Street and High Bullen seeing junctions and crossings simplified, lanes cut and more trees planted so it is less ‘cut off’.

New cycle lanes in Victoria Street, Dudley Street, High Bullen and Trouse Lane are also included as well as a hope for ‘cycling hubs’ in Union Street and Wednesbury Great Western Street metro station for cycle parking and e-bike charging. There is also a hope that Wednesbury joins other parts of the Black Country in the West Midland cycle hire scheme.

The green space in Church Hill could be “reinvigorated” with new links to the town centre as well as becoming a “destination” children’s play area.

The long-term plans include more events, including markets and fetes, new heritage signs, maps, visitor information and public art and more trees and plants.

Back routes could be removed to encourage more people to use the high street with pavements, lighting and benches also upgraded. Roads would also be reconfigured to stop the town centre being used as a ‘rat run’ including one-way systems and restrictions.

The number of car parks could also be cut with improvements made to Morrison's and Spring Head car parks.

The plans also include empty spaces in High Bullen, Union Street and Victoria Street as potential sites for more than 100 new apartments, supported living accommodation, health centres, shops, bars and restaurants.