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

Sandwell Council has unveiled ambitious plans to revitalize Wednesbury as part of its “master plan” 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 vendors, as well as live music and an outdoor cinema.

Wednesbury’s historic Gaumont cinema in Walsall Street, which closed in 2010 and was left to fall into disrepair, could also be converted and reopened as a new cinema and theater – with the ‘masterplan’ also revealing that the site could be used as a new theater. arcaded entertainment complex of bowling alley or adventure golf or as an art, events and exhibition space.

New bars and restaurants would also be included.

But the document is still 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 “isolated” parts of the town centre, with work on Dudley Street and High Bullen, seeing junctions and crossings simplified, lanes cut and more trees planted so it is less “cut”.

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

Church Hill’s green space could be ‘reinvigorated’ with new links to the town center as well as becoming a ‘destination’ children’s play area.

Long-term plans include more events, including markets and celebrations, 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 sidewalks, lighting and upgraded benches. Roads would also be reconfigured to prevent the city center from being used as a “rat race”, including one-way systems and restrictions.

The number of car parks could also be reduced with improvements to the Morrison 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 flats, supported housing, health centres, shops, bars and restaurants.