WATCH: Demolition work starts to tear down eyesore West Bromwich car park – expressandstar.com

Demolition work has started to tear down the eyesore multi-storey car park in West Bromwich town centre

The 1970s-built Queen Square Car Park, in Bull Street, is being demolished to make way for a mixture of homes, leisure and retail facilities.

Despite the Covid-19 crisis causing havoc on town centres, the investment programme agreed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Sandwell Council is pressing ahead, kick starting plans to revitalise the centre of West Bromwich.

The heavy demolition machinery has already begun to tear down the multi-storey car park.

The WMCA has helped to make the regeneration scheme possible by providing funding to cover the demolition costs.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said Even before coronavirus struck, high streets were struggling to keep up with changing shopping habits and the fast rise of online retailers. The pandemic and subsequent lockdown and restrictions has only served to exasperate that, and it is clear a major rethink is needed.

I still firmly believe that town centres and high streets can be the beating heart of communities once again, but they need to move away from being so retail-focused and look to diversify their offering.

"That means more homes, public services, offices, and start-up spaces, combined with better transport links and safety measures.

Here at the WMCA we are trying to help facilitate that change through our town centre taskforce, and the demolition of Bull Street car park to make way for a mix of new homes, leisure and retail is a prime example of what we are trying to achieve.

Work such as this also helps to create and protect local jobs at what is a very challenging time economically due to coronavirus.

Sandwell Council's deputy leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, added: Here in Sandwell, as all over the country, Covid-19 has disrupted so much and put so many demands on our resources that authorities have had to put important work on hold.

But we are still pressing ahead with our key projects despite that we still have to look to the future, especially for our young people.

Creating better economic prospects is vital and this regeneration and development will be home to a thriving new residential and business community in the heart of town, with more greenery and safe open spaces.

It will bring local jobs and opportunities and I look forward to working together on many more projects across the borough.

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WATCH: Demolition work starts to tear down eyesore West Bromwich car park - expressandstar.com