A 20-MPH speed limit, better walking and cycle routes and improvements to town gateways and public open spaces are among ideas planned as part of a £3million regeneration scheme for Stourbridge town centre to make it more welcoming.
Dudley Council aims to enhance pedestrian and cycle connections to and through the town to help increase footfall and economic activity and respond to climate change.
The regeneration proposals, which have gone out to public consultation, also aim to encourage people to get active and to enhance the town’s appearance, heritage and character.
The council has already secured an indicative funding allocation from the West Midlands City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) to support delivery of a sustainable connectivity package for Stourbridge town centre.
The funding, however, is subject to the approval of a business case to be submitted to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
To help with preparation for this – traders and residents are being asked to share their views on the plans.
The proposals include sprucing up the town’s six main gateways and improvements to streets with the introduction of new pedestrian crossings and enhancement of the cycling network to link the town to national cycle routes, parks, canal networks and residential areas.
A brochure, published as part of the consultation, states: “The existing gateways into the town centre are underwhelming and have the potential to be enhanced to provide a more welcoming entrance and to improve legibility and accessibility. There are a number of opportunities to improve connections across the ring road which currently can act as a barrier to walking and cycling into the town.
“The pedestrian and cycle experience could be improved to create a better connected and more cohesive town centre and public realm.”
A 20mph zone is proposed for the town centre to make it safer for pedestrians along with extra Blue Badge parking to improve access for drivers with mobility issues.
The proposals also include planting new street trees and soft landscaping to improve the environment and help to reduce air pollution and surface water flooding, plus extra CCTV and lighting.
Work is also proposed to improve outdated public spaces in the Ryemarket, Talbot Street and Foster Street to make them more inviting, encourage social interaction and enhance pedestrian access.
Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said: “Stourbridge is a beautiful market town with huge potential.
“We want to make it easier for people to get into the town, and make it as attractive as we can so people want to come into Stourbridge.
“Boosting footfall boosts trade, and we need to do all we can to support town centre businesses after what has been a very difficult last few years.
“I would urge anyone with an interest in Stourbridge to have a look at the proposals and have their say. We want local people to be at the heart, driving positive changes in their towns and communities.”
Work on some improvements has already started ahead of the wider plan.
Dudley Council has begun preparation work on the Stourbridge Public Art Parapet Project, by the town’s northern gateway, thanks to community support and funding from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
The project will see the bridge over the River Stour celebrated with decorative lettering and artwork.
People can find out more and have a say on the proposals online at regeneratingdudley.org.uk/stourbridge-consultation.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "This is all long overdue; it's what residents and members have been waiting for. I can't wait for the feedback to come back and for us to crack on with what we need to do."
The plans can also be viewed in Stourbridge Library where staff will be available to answer questions from 10am to 1pm on Wednesday 24 January, from 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday 30 January 30, 10am to 1pm on Saturday February 3, and 1pm to 4pm on Thursday February 8.
The consultation runs from today (Wednesday January 17) to Wednesday February 14.
To request a paper copy email samantha.south@dudley.gov.uk.
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