Council secures £1 million in funding to transform Dudley town centre

The funding, totalling £944,444, will be delivered over the next three years through the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) High Street Growth and Incubator Programme.

The investment is intended to reinforce ongoing regeneration efforts and support the town’s long-term growth.

Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "Dudley is already changing, and this £944,444 investment gives us another opportunity to build on the transformation taking place through the Metro, the Interchange and wider regeneration projects.

"As town centres evolve, we are determined to create new reasons for people to live, visit, invest and do business in Dudley."

The funding will support a broad programme aimed at boosting business growth, attracting investment and improving the town’s appeal as a destination for leisure and commerce.

Planned initiatives include support for start-ups and expanding businesses, schemes to grow the visitor and evening economies, public space improvements and events to increase footfall.

Additional plans include efforts to attract further investment and explore opportunities for new housing to help create a vibrant, round-the-clock town centre.

Councillor Harley said: "With around 10 million visitors coming to the borough each year, we have a unique opportunity to better connect our world-class attractions with the town centre and ensure investment benefits residents, businesses and visitors alike.

"We want local people, traders, businesses and community organisations to help shape that future, which is why we will launch a Big Conversation in January.

"Together, we will develop an ambitious vision for a town centre that supports businesses, attracts investment, celebrates our heritage and creates new opportunities for generations to come."

The funding will complement ongoing projects including the Metro extension, the new Dudley Interchange, and a range of heritage and regeneration schemes already underway.

In addition to the WMCA investment, Dudley Council has been allocated a further £3 million from the Government’s Derelict Buildings Fund.

This funding will support the reuse and regeneration of long-term vacant and derelict buildings across the borough, helping to bring prominent sites back into productive use and increase activity in key areas.

Dudley currently attracts an estimated 10 million visitors each year, drawn to attractions such as Dudley Zoo and Castle, the Black Country Living Museum, and the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Improved transport links through the Metro and the new Interchange are expected to encourage visitors to spend more time and money in the town centre.

The council’s long-term vision for Dudley town centre will bring together transport, regeneration, culture, heritage and economic development within a single strategic framework.

This approach aims to coordinate investment, services and projects to maximise impact and reinforce Dudley’s identity as a destination for residents, businesses and visitors.