I really do not know why we haven't got a thread for this development. :nuts:

Tesco are building a new store in West Bromwich, which will be one of the largest in the country at 144,236 sq ft. On top of that, it also includes major redevelopment of West Bromwich town centre, pushing it to 570,487sq ft of redevelopment.

http://planapps.sandwell.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=Planning&appNumber=DC/09/50896

Correction: It WILL be the largest in the Country

This is really moving along now, plenty of groundswork ongoing, thought id add some more info to the thread from the retail brochures

http://newsquare.spenhill.co.uk/images/graphics/newsquare_txt.jpg

473,000 sq ft
Located in the heart of West Bromwich, New Square is a new shopping and leisure destination and forms part of one of the largest regeneration programmes in the UK at the moment.

Anchored by a 144,000 sq ft Tesco Extra store, New Square has already attracted retailers including Next, JD Sports, Bank, Outfit and Primark.

The Cinema will be run by Odeon

The retail units range in size from 600 sq ft to 11,000 sq ft, with opportunities for local and multiple retailers. Restaurant units range from 1,830 sq ft to 3,800 sq ft.

http://www.spenhill.co.uk/assets/img/schemes/12-SchemeImage-0.jpg

http://www.spenhill.co.uk/assets/img/schemes/12-SchemeImage-1.jpg

http://www.spenhill.co.uk/assets/img/schemes/12-SchemeImage-2.jpg

http://newsquare.spenhill.co.uk/images/graphics/unitplan.gif

some progress images from sandwell council site, doesn't look as busy in the pictures as what it actually is

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2428/2428_727x546.jpg

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2429/2429_727x546.jpg

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2430/2430_727x546.jpg

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2425/2425_727x546.jpg

More from earlier in the development at
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/galleries/gallery/13/tesco_development_gallery

Thanks for the links .The site is huge ! I really hope this gives West Bromwich the push it needs .I was there at Christmas and walking from the shopping centre towards the Birmingham Road was really depressing ; it seemed like all the shops were empty .I'm looking forward to seeing how this transforms the other part of the town.

Thought this would be the best place to post this, latest photo from Today of the All Saints Way underpass, with completion Autumn this year, does anyone know when we can expect the bridge to go in?

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2479/2479_728x480.jpg
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/540road.jpg

West Brom's getting a lot of investment lately. We need these type of intersections on Brum's Ring road.

Some photo's from earlier, the outline of the new ringway is now visible, and a lot of grandworks going on for the shopping centre also.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7689/imag3187.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/4857/imag3188.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/4594/imag3189.jpg

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/1604/imag3190.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2079/imag3191.jpg

And the underpass A41

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7064/imag3193.jpg

thanks for the update Reiss, Guess you missed it but there was a car on its roof heading towards the M5 from this on the corner at about 10am, caused massive tailbacks all directions

thanks for the update Reiss, Guess you missed it but there was a car on its roof heading towards the M5 from this on the corner at about 10am, caused massive tailbacks all directions

No Problem :) I was round here around 11, no traffic although i didn't notice the road works from the M6 carry on down the M5 also

Yeah its seperate works lol

M6 is prep work for hard shoulder running
M5 up to Junction 1 for West Brom is Drainage works
M5 Frankley Services to M42 link is Central Reservation replacement,

Its a bastard at times as tonights proved with one lane between J10 - J10A on the M6 due to broken down lorry lol

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2012/02/27/two-hour-delays-on-m6-as-broken-down-lorry-causes-motorway-misery-for-commuters-97319-30419119/

Oh I see, we do need these managed motorways though, and when this one is complete, the whole length of the M6 from both ends of the M6 Toll will be managed, which means really the Toll hasn't made ANY difference lol

there doing from J10A up to J15 next then onwards to Manchester its being fast tracked by the Government now

Big job then, but I suppose its needed.

We have some minor changes....

A huge multi storey car park and changes to Primark unit and surrounding units,

This looks really good!


Application Reference: DC/12/54207
Planning Portal Reference Number: PP-01764805
Address of Proposal: Tesco Development Site, West Bromwich Ringway, West Bromwich
Proposal: Reserved matters application relating to layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of phase 2 for retail shops (A1), servicing, car parking, public realm, landscaping, hotel (C1), and other related works pursuant to application - DC/11/54021 (minor material amendment to hybrid planning application - DC/09/50896).

Pics taken from app

Internal
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6801216130_6eb4ef3c67_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6801216130/)
Tesco West Brom Development (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6801216130/) by sefton 66 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58990999@N03/), on Flickr

Externals Primark
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6947342547_531fd4a2c8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6947342547/)
Tesco West Brom Development 4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6947342547/) by sefton 66 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58990999@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6947322923_c57d4035c7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6947322923/)
Tesco West Brom Development 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6947322923/) by sefton 66 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58990999@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6947342327_e2f66fae49_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6947342327/)
Tesco West Brom Development 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6947342327/) by sefton 66 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58990999@N03/), on Flickr

MSCP - in my opinion this looks great especially for a car park, looks like a stadium
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6947323149_436904a516_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6947323149/)
Tesco West Brom Development 3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6947323149/) by sefton 66 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58990999@N03/), on Flickr

Nice one Sefton, I really like the external blue on Primark

Is this really a Tesco development or is it a combination of a whole load of organisations putting time and money into this????? It actually all looks pretty good.

Thanks for posting the images Sefton . This looks a little better than I anticipated .When you look at image three ,the Primark building looks quite groovey .However, it's only when you look at one and two you see that it is a simple wrap and doesn't even cover the brick at the top .I like the creation of the 'streets' which I wasn't expecting although I wish they had gone for at least another floor with residential to keep some movement of people after closing .This is something that our European counterparts do so well .Maybe it's simply that Tesco and the council weren't interested .The car park does look quite good and I have to say that I feared a very large surface car park like behind the present shopping precinct.Overall, it is a lot better than I thought and I look forward to seeing this come together and seeing how it links with other parts of the immediate area.:)

Tesco are paying for this, a new £7m police station, the A41 underpass and bridge as well as improvement works to town centre....

Makes you think what they could potentially do with Bristol St if they had a chance of a store....

^^ Yep.

One of the things I really detest about this country is that a certain segment of people love to bash and vilify successful private companies like Tesco. What they're doing for West Brom here is fantastic, and they should be applauded for it.

More like this please!

They've also added another 4 large units to the plans (Units 35 -38) to go next to Tesco on the Primark end into the car park, looks like some of the units have increased in size too

New Plan
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6802403168_35056cb801_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6802403168/)
Tesco West Brom Development (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/6802403168/) by sefton 66 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58990999@N03/), on Flickr

Old Plan
http://newsquare.spenhill.co.uk/images/graphics/unitplan.gif

Thanks for posting the image Sefton .Not surprising considering the road access, but I didn't realise that two surface car parks were so huge .They take up almost 50% of the project as they envelope Tesco .It isn't so much the encouragement of car use that bothers me but how the large surface car parks create a stale area ; active during shopping hours, but extremely desolate and uninviting after dark.

I wonder what opening hours will be for this though, the Tesco could do very well being a 24 hour store, with the rest of the centre open 9am-8pm or something

Well its the same company that developed the Swan Centre, so it could well be the same time, but this is under Sandwell Council so I could well be 24hours, and after everything Tesco has done for West Brom its the least they could do!

I wonder if they have secured any other retailers yet

Thats what makes me think this store will be 24 hours with how much Tesco have invested,

This shopping centre
New underpass and surrounding roadwork upgrades
New footbridge
New £7m police station
Improvements to West Brom town centre
and I believe they also helped get Providence Place offices off the ground?

I'd expect Tesco to have a separate entrance to allow them to remain open when the centre is closed. They would do well if it was a 24 hour store.

And I expect there must be a lot of interest in the units for them to increase the size of some and add an additional 4 large units

^^ Well looking at the elevations (btw they look quality) it looks like their won't be no doors, just a open mall so it could well be 24 hours

Also looking at the Queens Square link, there will be a service road spliting the two which is a shame, couldn't they have thought of another way to get to the service yard

Hmm that is a shame really,

or maybe they will be linked together but by walking through the service yard?

Yeah they will be link, but walking through the service yard, which is kind of stupid and dangerous, that's why I was thinking was there no other way they could link them together, without having lorrys passing the people crossing both centres

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2481/2481_728x451.jpg

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2480/2480_728x489.jpg

Thanks for the pics Reiss .This is a very big site .

Its ok, the site is huge, these were taken a month ago, the outline of the new ringway is now visable.

Here's some info on the exsiting Quees Square

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/Queens_Square_new_large.jpeg

As part of the New Square development, Tesco is supporting businesses in West Bromwich town centre by helping revamp part of Queen's Square shopping centre. Work will include a new entrance, escalators and shop fronts. Sandwell Council is also working in partnership with Fairacre to refurbish the rest of the shopping centre that will see a new entrance created from the High Street.

Work is expected to get underway in summer 2012 and be complete in 2013 to coincide with the opening of the New Square development.

The Queen's Square refurbishment project will:

-improve links between all town centre retail areas for shoppers
-give visitors better access to public transport
-improve the look of the centre's West Bromwich Ringway entrance, the mall and shop fronts.

Cheers reiss, I'm sure I saw an app go in for that thinking about it! Documents weren't up so I left it and forgot. Must have been in the past month or two? The amount of money tesco are investing in this is huge! It must be a 24 hour store lol

No worries :)

Your right in saying you saw a app, you have a good eye! Documents are up now http://planapps.sandwell.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=Planning&appNumber=DC/12/54256

Cheers reiss:)

Can this thread be renamed

New square shopping centre | tesco development | west bromwich | U/C please:)?

^^ I Agree, wish I could change thread names aha

Just doing some reearch, according to this, the new Ringway and Car park should open in May, not sure if I can see that happeneing..

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/03/02/200m-vision-of-west-bromwichs-future/

Hmm well it's a recent article and they have no started digging out the underpass road further back so I'd say it was possible, end of may just under 3 months to get open, foot bridge I have heard will need to be on a night time with complete closures of the roads around. The car park I can't see happening for may..

Pic from 2nd March, looks like they're steaming ahead with the road layout/car park on the Tesco site and underpass doesn't look too far off, I think a May opening will be correct Reiss:)

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2520/2520_728x484.jpg

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/galleries/gallery/15/item/344/a41_underpass_february_2012

Thanks for the photo.You'd think that they would/could go a little further and concrete the underpass over ; a thing they should have done years ago with the A38 in the centre of Birmingham.It's also interesting to see the group of houses in the top of the pic ; almost an island in itself .I wonder what is planned for the site next to the new BT building and for the land directly behind it .I read somewhere that they want to create a link to the new Civic Quarter on the High Street.

The following link may help : http://cmis.sandwell.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=39471

Hi All

I'm new here, hoping to shed some light on a few unanswered questions!

Regards

@west_bromwich_

Thanks for the photo.You'd think that they would/could go a little further and concrete the underpass over ; a thing they should have done years ago with the A38 in the centre of Birmingham.It's also interesting to see the group of houses in the top of the pic ; almost an island in itself .I wonder what is planned for the site next to the new BT building and for the land directly behind it .I read somewhere that they want to create a link to the new Civic Quarter on the High Street.

The following link may help : http://cmis.sandwell.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=39471

1) The very long term plan is to construct an overpass going in the opposite direction, so can only think they had this in mind.

2) The big patch of land next to the BT building is earmarked for West Bromwich Building Society, at the moment though SMBC and WBBS are struggling to come to an agreement.

3) Offices and food premises (Subways etc) are planned for the smaller area. There is a single white house behind that patch of land and the long term plan is for the office development to stretch over there aswell.

Cheers reiss, I'm sure I saw an app go in for that thinking about it! Documents weren't up so I left it and forgot. Must have been in the past month or two? The amount of money tesco are investing in this is huge! It must be a 24 hour store lol

I emailed Tesco a week or so back. They said that although opening times are not yet confirmed they could confirm it will be a Tesco Extra store and that Extra stores are open 24 hours.

Yeah they will be link, but walking through the service yard, which is kind of stupid and dangerous, that's why I was thinking was there no other way they could link them together, without having lorrys passing the people crossing both centres

At the minute the link from Queens Square to that car park is via a flight of steps. The plans on the SMBC website show that these steps will be replaced by an escalator and the service yard will run underneath it.

I emailed Tesco a week or so back. They said that although opening times are not yet confirmed they could confirm it will be a Tesco Extra store and that Extra stores are open 24 hours.

Yeah that's what we thought until Tesco Extra opened in Swan Centre, Swan Centre was also built and managed by the same company that are working on this project, Spenhill.

At the minute the link from Queens Square to that car park is via a flight of steps. The plans on the SMBC website show that these steps will be replaced by an escalator and the service yard will run underneath it.

Oh that's good news, thanks

Thanks for posting the image Sefton .Not surprising considering the road access, but I didn't realise that two surface car parks were so huge .They take up almost 50% of the project as they envelope Tesco .It isn't so much the encouragement of car use that bothers me but how the large surface car parks create a stale area ; active during shopping hours, but extremely desolate and uninviting after dark.

The Tesco will be 24 hours so the big car park will always be at least a quarter full IMO. I would imagine the multi storey would close after hours and that would leave the car park by Primark. That area is currently a car park and it has no major issues. There will be a cinema and restaurants on site and can see that car park being used to accommodate the customers for those venues.

Yeah that's what we thought until Tesco Extra opened in Swan Centre, Swan Centre was also built and managed by the same company that are working on this project, Spenhill.

Although Spenhill has already attracted a few decent names to the New Square scheme and they have had the confidene to add another four units, it does concern me that Swan Centre has opened up pretty much empty!

At the minute the link from Queens Square to that car park is via a flight of steps. The plans on the SMBC website show that these steps will be replaced by an escalator and the service yard will run underneath it.

I just took another look at the plans, and it looks like the service road will run directly between the two centres, not very well planned if you ask me.

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/1204/queenslink.png

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1962/queenslink1.png

That is really poor, those are the plans I saw and at quick glance got it totally wrong.

I don't understand why they would do that when at the minute an underpass is there so customers totally avoid the main road up above, so why can they not do the same in a multi million pound complex. The key to the future success of Queens Square is to seamlessly link it with New Square in the way the Bull Ring and the Pallasades are linked.

That is really poor, those are the plans I saw and at quick glance got it totally wrong.

I don't understand why they would do that when at the minute an underpass is there so customers totally avoid the main road up above, so why can they not do the same in a multi million pound complex. The key to the future success of Queens Square is to seamlessly link it with New Square in the way the Bull Ring and the Pallasades are linked.

It's a pity the Queens Street exit doesn't open right out onto the new development without having to use an escalator, but how the thoroughfare layed out & falls to allow pedestrians to walk under the ring road doesn't allow for such an option IMO.

I do agree it is key to the Queen Square, but without major alterations to the Queen Square I don't see what options they have, unless they want to lower the whole tesco development .

The old roundabout that had a petrol station in it has now been reconfigured, and the traffic is diverted around towards the retail park from now on, work on the new ring road and the car park are well on track and indeed does look like it could be completed within May.

Here's a couple photo's of the new road and car park so far.

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/6003/imag3271.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/8440/imag3272.jpg

cheers for the update Reiss, May is definitely an achievable target for the road and car park opening, I've noticed they have been working on what I assume will form the foundations for the pedestrian bridge, I've been told they are looking at road closures and an easter bank holiday night time/early morning lift for the footbridge, not sure how true that is though!

Does anyone know if we can expect to see tower cranes on this or Longbridge Town Centre development?

No worries mate, they are flying on with this which is good to see :)

There wasn't a crane on the Swan Centre which is the same developer, but there will be a cinema on this site so not quite sure.

New square scheme enters new phase

Published on 22nd March 2012

A new temporary town centre car park will be opening just after Easter in West Bromwich, paving the way for work to continue on the multi-million pound Tesco development that is set to transform the town centre.

The existing car park opposite Queen's Square Shopping Centre will close on Wednesday, 10 April, and the new temporary car park, situated off Cronehills Linkway, will open in its place.

The temporary car park will be managed by the council and will provide 400 short stay parking spaces for town centre shoppers.

The new car park is situated less than five minutes walk away from the centre and signage is being erected along the pedestrian walkway from the car park to the town centre to help direct people to the shops and local facilities.

The Queen's Square multi-storey car park will remain open throughout the construction programme.

Jonathan Simpson, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: "A key part of the scheme is it's dovetailing with the town centre and as the site boundary moves closer to the heart of West Bromwich, people will be able to get a sense of how the new centre will integrate with the existing offering."

Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell's cabinet member for jobs and economy, said: "It is good to see the town centre development taking shape. It has taken years of preparation and planning and when completed it will completely transform West Bromwich town centre."

Sean Delaney, senior project manager for contractor VINCI Construction UK Ltd, said: "Occupying this part of the site will mean that we can continue to progress the scheme and move forward with the first elements of the construction to the store and retail units on the New Square development.

"The temporary car park will be well lit and provide 400 spaces for visitors to the town centre."

The 437,000sq ft scheme, anchored by 139,000sq ft Tesco store will provide a new retail and leisure destination for the town. National retailers Primark, Next, Arcadia, JD Sports and Bank have already signed up to take space in the development.

The development also includes a 36,000sq ft cinema and restaurant space, with 1,900 car parking spaces. It is expected to be open by summer 2013.

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/news/article/1596/new_square_scheme_enters_new_phase

Reading the above it mentions the Multi Storey carpark. Sometime back I think only the bottom 2 floors of this was open, is it fully open now or when will it be fully open?

Reading the above it mentions the Multi Storey carpark. Sometime back I think only the bottom 2 floors of this was open, is it fully open now or when will it be fully open?

I use the multi storey very often and all the floors are open apart from the top two floors which are uncovered.

Every other floor is available but once you reach floor 5 and 6 you would be brave to leave your car as there are no lights on nor does it look very welcoming. I think Queens Square will have their hands forced now by the council and be asked to do something with the top decks. It has been years (over a decade) since I last saw cars on there, they are closed off with a barrier at the moment.

I use the multi storey very often and all the floors are open apart from the top two floors which are uncovered.

Every other floor is available but once you reach floor 5 and 6 you would be brave to leave your car as there are no lights on nor does it look very welcoming. I think Queens Square will have their hands forced now by the council and be asked to do something with the top decks. It has been years (over a decade) since I last saw cars on there, they are closed off with a barrier at the moment.

Thanks, I did read sometime back it was going to be completely reopen as part of the ongoing projects. I would have thought, as a priority, they would have got it ready first before they started building on old car parks & building new temporary ones. Talking of temporary carparks, why are they temporary, they seem to being built where they are shown on the plans? Are they to dig them up & start again? :)

Got a few pictures today, they seriously aren't waiting ANY time with this one at all, tarmac is currently going down for the car park, the new road layout on the existing road is now open (2 roundabouts instead on the 1 huge one), Street furniture (traffic lights, street lights) are flying up, and the A41 works look close to completion, work on the roundabout itself is going on at the moment, while people still working down below in the underpass.

Sorry about the last two photo's not quite sure why they came out bluring, but you can see the sheer scale of the site.

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/27/imag3310.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5488/imag3311.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2357/imag3312o.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1645/imag3313.jpg

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/3292/imag3314.jpg

The official Spenhill site is saying New Square will be open in Autumn 2013. However, I am now hearing May 2013 being mentioned, would you say this is feasible? Considering how fast Tesco at Burnt Tree got up I wouldn't say it was unlikely.

The official Spenhill site is saying New Square will be open in Autumn 2013. However, I am now hearing May 2013 being mentioned, would you say this is feasible? Considering how fast Tesco at Burnt Tree got up I wouldn't say it was unlikely.

Autumn 2013 seems late to me, considering at one time they was hoping to open by Winter 2012 & then Spring 2013.
If the weather remain fine for the rest of the year, I imagine they will really crack on with the project & will be open by April 2013 in some shape or form

And thanks ReissOmari for the caps, keep them coming please

The progress on the ring road is extraordinary. You can see the changes everyday!

The computer generated images look very good, I just hope the buildings turn out like that as I know sometimes they change in order to cut costs.

What other buildings have the architects designed? Just want to be nosey and take a peek.

Does anyone know when other retailers to take up units will be confirmed? They must be fairly confident they will fill the place because of adding those further units on the car park.

The new ring road is almost completely in place now. I wouldn't be surprised to see its opening brought forward from the end of May.

Great progress on this, the extending phase hasn't been approved yet...

The new ring road is almost completely in place now. I wouldn't be surprised to see its opening brought forward from the end of May.

Drove past the Island which will open into the ring road (Near Astle Park) this morning & they seem to be putting the top layer of tarmac on. The only hold up I see at the moment is Reform Street, which will form part of the new ring road, which is currently one way due to Road Works

The framework is visible now, a fair few beams have gone up since Monday. Hoping for some pictures on the SMBC site soon.

The framework is visible now, a fair few beams have gone up since Monday. Hoping for some pictures on the SMBC site soon.
^^
Yep, the birth of a BEAST of a building :cheers:

The framework is visible now, a fair few beams have gone up since Monday. Hoping for some pictures on the SMBC site soon.

It can just be made out on the A41 improvement Webcam

Have you got the link to that webcam please redape

Here's the link Sefton :

http://www.sandwell-a41.co.uk/view_web_cam.html

Got some photo's yesterday

They have dug a hole for what looks like where the bridge will sit

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8887/imag3505.jpg

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/9559/imag3506.jpg

The new road and the car park, which look like they will be completed on time for May.

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/5892/imag3509.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/6240/imag3510.jpg

And here's the steelwork, and you can also see a core too

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/16/imag3507.jpg

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/9373/imag3512.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/711/imag3513.jpg

And just some random photo's of where the Cinema will be, and the Primark extention

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3407/imag3511.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/3889/imag3514.jpg

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7130/imag3515.jpg

Thanks for the comprehensive update Reiss .I'm looking forward to seeing how this develops and how it links to the surrounding areas.:)

Cheers for the link nacho:) and great update Reiss:)

Woody can we get this thread renamed to
New Square Shopping Centre | Tesco Development | West Brom | U/C?

Great pics Reiss. Although I pass quite often in the car I don't get the chance to have a detailed look. Sandwell Council confirmed on twitter today that negotiations are still ongoing with new tenants but they hope to announce them very soon.

The new ringway will be opening on Monday.

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/news/article/1661/new_road_layout_in_west_bromwich_town_centre

Drivers and pedestrians are advised to look out for a new road layout and new signs and car parking in West Bromwich town centre from Monday's morning rush hour onwards (16 April).

Part of West Bromwich Ringway, between the junction of Bull Street/Walsall Street and New Street/The Public, is expected to close on Sunday (15 April) evening.

At the same time, the new section of West Bromwich Ringway will open.

Signs clearly directing motorists and pedestrians will be in place.

The new road layout, new pedestrian routes and temporary car parks are part of the new Tesco and New Square development.

Have just had a wonder round the outskirts of the site and the finished touches are being made to the new ring road. Line marking, sweeping up and removal of metal fencing etc.

So the new ringway is opening on Monday then, 2 weeks ahead May, great to see that they are flying through this.

Any maps around of the new ringway?

Any maps around of the new ringway?

Click this document and you'll see how the new Ringway will work

http://planapps.sandwell.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Revised%20Drawing-398076.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=398076&appid=&location=VOLUME1&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=1

Thanks, looks great. But... barriers for the car park, really? I'm disappointed at that, in this day and age. We're able to create large car parks appropriate for any amount of people and yet we still charge them forcing them to go to out of town malls instead. That large car park could be two storeys and completely free, and it would see a lot more people visiting the centre.

This is just a bit of fun and I'm not sure it even lines up right with the entrances, I don't know the layout well, but this is what I'd do: demolish Astle Park and build this (over two storeys for Marks and Spencer and Next):

http://bb.ohsk.net/uploads/astlepark.png

Astle Park could then be used for something much more fitting.

Thanks, looks great. But... barriers for the car park, really? I'm disappointed at that, in this day and age. We're able to create large car parks appropriate for any amount of people and yet we still charge them forcing them to go to out of town malls instead. That large car park could be two storeys and completely free, and it would see a lot more people visiting the centre.

This is just a bit of fun and I'm not sure it even lines up right with the entrances, I don't know the layout well, but this is what I'd do: demolish Astle Park and build this (over two storeys for Marks and Spencer and Next):

http://bb.ohsk.net/uploads/astlepark.png

Astle Park could then be used for something much more fitting.

I think its just for future measures if paying to park will come in, its the same with ASDA at Oldbury, they have the layout for parking barriers but don't actually have any..

Nice play by the way, even if it would mean loosing Primark!

Oh, haha, I should pay more attention, I've basically just drawn what's already planned haven't I. Sorry.

Oh, haha, I should pay more attention, I've basically just drawn what's already planned haven't I. Sorry.

Don't worry, it wasn't shown in the first app

Another app has been put in for 4 more units on the Primark side as well as the new car park which you can find here

http://planapps.sandwell.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=Planning&appNumber=DC/12/54207

I notice there are plans for a hotel too .Anyone know more details ?

http://planapps.sandwell.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Revised%20Drawing-398076.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=398076&appid=&location=VOLUME1&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=1

There was a rumour of premier inn moving but nothing has been said officially

Thanks for the update .There is certainly enough room for it .

There was a rumour of premier inn moving but nothing has been said officially

Premier Inn have ruled out opening on that site. There are already two Premier Inns in West Bromwich. Travelodge and Etap have shown an interest though.

The fuel garage will be opening as soon as the A41 works have been completed. It will be the first opening on the site. The area desperately needs a fuel station.

Thanks, looks great. But... barriers for the car park, really? I'm disappointed at that, in this day and age. We're able to create large car parks appropriate for any amount of people and yet we still charge them forcing them to go to out of town malls instead. That large car park could be two storeys and completely free, and it would see a lot more people visiting the centre.

This is just a bit of fun and I'm not sure it even lines up right with the entrances, I don't know the layout well, but this is what I'd do: demolish Astle Park and build this (over two storeys for Marks and Spencer and Next):

http://bb.ohsk.net/uploads/astlepark.png

Astle Park could then be used for something much more fitting.

I agree Astle Park is in the way & shouldn't have been built in the design it as. What they needed to do IMO was to extend Victoria Street across the High street by building a link road to join up with the Island near where Astle Park is now. This would form part of the ring road bypassing St Micheals Street & New Street where the Public stands. Your idea of having Astle Park over 2 storeys would have fitted in well.

I agree Astle Park is in the way & shouldn't have been built in the design it as. What they needed to do IMO was to extend Victoria Street across the High street by building a link road to join up with the Island near where Astle Park is now. This would form part of the ring road bypassing St Micheals Street & New Street where the Public stands. Your idea of having Astle Park over 2 storeys would have fitted in well.

Astle Park has been pretty much a flop. There is still one unit empty (Pure Gym do open at the end of May though) and it opened 2003. There was high hopes with the likes of Next (main store), Brantano and Pets at home to take up space and the smaller units to be converted into bars/restaurants. The High Street facing stores were said to be banks etc they are now 99p stores and a Polish shop.

Some more photo's from the other side of the development I got today

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4350/imag3535.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2838/imag3538.jpg

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/7996/imag3537d.jpg

The new Ringway opened today, and due to resurfacing on the old road the bus was diverted down the new Ringway, so took the opportunity to get some photo's

Here's the new roundabout at the junction of the Ringway and Reform Street.

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/2364/imag3533.jpg

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/4959/imag3534.jpg

Here's some of the new road

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1796/imag3536.jpg

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/817/imag3539.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/823/imag3542.jpg

And the new car park is now open

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2489/imag3541.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4752/imag3540.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1713/imag3543.jpg

Bonus, progress on the underpass

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/6481/imag3544.jpg

Great pics as per usual...

That car park doesn't look very temporary to me. It will look really nice once all the landscaping is done. I wonder if it will be grassed/shrubs or will it be tarmac.

The development will steam ahead now they have all land needed available to them.

Great pics as per usual...

That car park doesn't look very temporary to me. It will look really nice once all the landscaping is done. I wonder if it will be grassed/shrubs or will it be tarmac.

No problem, its not temporary its actually the final car park for the development, I think they are just calling it temp because of the other car parks around the area that have been closed for construction works.

I wonder if the new car park is free, if so Astle Retail Park will lose quite a lot of money

No problem, its not temporary its actually the final car park for the development, I think they are just calling it temp because of the other car parks around the area that have been closed for construction works.

I wonder if the new car park is free, if so Astle Retail Park will lose quite a lot of money

There are two pay machines on the car park from what I saw today and SMBC have said they are operating it from the time being. What that means in the long run I'm not sure.

Thanks for clarifying re: tempcar park.

Astle Park has been pretty much a flop. There is still one unit empty (Pure Gym do open at the end of May though) and it opened 2003. There was high hopes with the likes of Next (main store), Brantano and Pets at home to take up space and the smaller units to be converted into bars/restaurants. The High Street facing stores were said to be banks etc they are now 99p stores and a Polish shop.

I did read an Indian restaurant was relocating there (Not the Shalimar) & an hairdressing salon, not very outlet

Great photo's Reissmari, I have thought for a long time now the new stretch of road should be named & not just be called The Ring Road. I would call it Messenger Way since most of it was built on Messenger Street.

I am a bit concerned with the junction of the New Road & Reform Street. I hope there will be plenty of warning for speeding traffic coming over the bridge that crosses the Express Way towards the Island

I did read an Indian restaurant was relocating there (Not the Shalimar) & an hairdressing salon, not very outlet

Yes, an Indian restaurant is opening there and its called Paradise. Paradise is a continuation of Mumtaj balti which has closed on the High Street.

I hear Shalimar are interested (as well as Big Johns) in taking over the old Pizza Hut in Farley Square. Shalimar are due to move soon because of the new development that side.

I think Realm have given up on the whole outlet thing now and have let to anyone. http://www.realm.ltd.uk/outlets/astle_park/pdf/leasing-brochure.pdf

Great photo's Reissmari, I have thought for a long time now the new stretch of road should be named & not just be called The Ring Road. I would call it Messenger Way since most of it was built on Messenger Street.

I am a bit concerned with the junction of the New Road & Reform Street. I hope there will be plenty of warning for speeding traffic coming over the bridge that crosses the Express Way towards the Island

Messenger Way is a great name. Better than what it has been called anyway. It has been named 'Congregation Way' which is in reference to a small chapel that was found about 200metres away when building 1 Providence Place. Very loose connection if you ask me and I would have liked to see some link to the old street names (Queen Street, Walsall Street, Messenger Lane, Alfred Street, Colley Street, Hardware Street) that have been lost. I think something to celebrate the Queens Diamond Juliblee would have been good aswell, this could have also linked in the name Queen Street. 'Queens Way' or 'Diamond Way' has a nice ring to it.

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/news/article/1662/road_changes_in_west_bromwich_to_make_way_for_new_shopping_and_leisure_complex

Messenger Way is a great name. Better than what it has been called anyway. It has been named 'Congregation Way' which is in reference to a small chapel that was found about 200metres away when building 1 Providence Place. Very loose connection if you ask me and I would have liked to see some link to the old street names (Queen Street, Walsall Street, Messenger Lane, Alfred Street, Colley Street, Hardware Street) that have been lost. I think something to celebrate the Queens Diamond Juliblee would have been good aswell, this could have also linked in the name Queen Street. 'Queens Way' or 'Diamond Way' has a nice ring to it.

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/news/article/1662/road_changes_in_west_bromwich_to_make_way_for_new_shopping_and_leisure_complex

Well I suppose the name better than no name. Back in the 1960's I used to attend Sunday School at small chapel called Mayers Green Baptist? Church which from memory was just in Messenger Street from the Junction of New Street. Is that the same Church they found?

Here's a little bit of history
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=36167#s18

In 1787 Williams began building a small chapel in Messenger Lane, which was opened in 1788. It was lengthened in 1790 and a gallery was erected. Money was scarce at first, but help was given by William Whyley of the Oak House (d. 1800). (fn. 49) In 1805 side galleries were added to the chapel, but even so the accommodation remained inadequate. In 1807-8 a new chapel was built on the opposite side of the road, a brick building with a classical façade: even there side galleries had to be added in 1825-6. The materials from the old chapel were reused, and William Whyley's widow Jane provided a malt-house as a temporary meeting-place during the rebuilding. She also contributed towards the cost of the new chapel from the proceeds of a sale of timber on her Oak House estate. The site of the old chapel became a burial ground; it was bought by the corporation in 1914. (fn. 50) A Sunday school was established in 1804; a building was erected for it in 1807 and was extended to twice the original size in 1813. (fn. 51) Average Sunday attendance at the chapel in 1850-1 was 430 in the morning (evidently including some 190 Sunday-school children) and 340 in the evening; about 90 young children also attended a special service in the morning. (fn. 52) Adult membership at the beginning of 1968 was 63, and there were 35 children. (fn. 53) In 1968 the church was bought by the corporation under a compulsory purchase order; it was gutted by fire in 1969. The congregation was united with that of Ebenezer. (fn. 54)
From: 'West Bromwich: Protestant Nonconformity', A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 17: Offlow hundred (part) (1976), pp. 61-70. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=36167 Date accessed: 18 April 2012.

Well I suppose the name better than no name. Back in the 1960's I used to attend Sunday School at small chapel called Mayers Green Baptist? Church which from memory was just in Messenger Street from the Junction of New Street. Is that the same Church they found?


Very interesting read ape but unfortunatly it is not that Church. Its a small chapel which was found off Sandwell Road. I have tried to find the Express and Star article but have failed find it. I will look again though and post it if I manage to find it.

Very interesting read ape but unfortunatly it is not that Church. Its a small chapel which was found off Sandwell Road. I have tried to find the Express and Star article but have failed find it. I will look again though and post it if I manage to find it.

Aint they typical they tie the new development to one church, when obviously their was one closer to the development. If you look on old maps, the church I posted in plainly seen in Messenger Street & the whole Tesco development is in the part of West Bromwich called Mayers Green. It doesn't take too long to do the research, so why's the council get things so wrong? I think with new developments like this a town can easily lose it's indentity & one easy way towards stopping that is to tie as many things as possible to the historical West Bromwich.

Also from yesterday, this is coming on really fast!

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/7458/imag3613.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3042/imag3612.jpg

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/9872/imag3611.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5646/imag3610.jpg

From yesterday

Underpass and works to the bridge coming along now.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/6132/imag3614.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1503/imag3615.jpg

Also from yesterday, this is coming on really fast!

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/7458/imag3613.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3042/imag3612.jpg

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/9872/imag3611.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5646/imag3610.jpg

Wooden panels going up on this now, looks like what will be holding the glass?

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/538/imag3683.jpg

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/8182/imag3681.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1206/imag3680.jpg

Random, wasn't expecting that lol Cheers for the update as always Reiss:)

WOODY can we get this thread renamed? lol

New Square Shopping Centre | Tesco Development| West Brom | U/C

Please:)

Not as clear as Reiss' but one from the other side
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/7129152093_8095ca542f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/7129152093/)
photo (1) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58990999@N03/7129152093/) by sefton 66 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58990999@N03/), on Flickr

Great photo's again guys, I bet that's a good view of the construction from that block of flats

Progress camera from the top the The Public - http://80.194.71.69/cgi-bin/guestimage.html

Progress camera from the top the The Public - http://80.194.71.69/cgi-bin/guestimage.html

Brilliant, thanks for the link

Random, wasn't expecting that lol Cheers for the update as always Reiss:)

WOODY can we get this thread renamed? lol

New Square Shopping Centre | Tesco Development| West Brom | U/C

Please:)

No worries, I don't think Woody looks at this thread Sefton lol

Some new overhead photo's the the underpass here

http://www.sandwell-a41.co.uk/Latest-News/Latest-Progress-Photographs/MARCH-2012---AERIAL.asp

Some new overhead photo's the the underpass here

http://www.sandwell-a41.co.uk/Latest-News/Latest-Progress-Photographs/MARCH-2012---AERIAL.asp

Thanks for that, they have been working on it for almost 2 years now, and it still looks no where near completion. What was the original deadline?

Thanks for that, they have been working on it for almost 2 years now, and it still looks no where near completion. What was the original deadline?

When they broke ground they said it would be open for March 2012. It's getting boring now and I can barely see any difference from weeks ago. New opening date is 'Autumn' which could mean anything up to 20th December!

Thanks for the links guys, Especially the webcam, will help keep up to date with the project, I wish every project had these.

As for the Road I believe Spring 2012 has always been the date and as Benjyt said now pushed back to Autumn, it is nearing completion though, I wonder if we will see the bridge lift this bank holiday maybe?

Thanks for the links guys, Especially the webcam, will help keep up to date with the project, I wish every project had these.

As for the Road I believe Spring 2012 has always been the date and as Benjyt said now pushed back to Autumn, it is nearing completion though, I wonder if we will see the bridge lift this bank holiday maybe?

Had a look at the foundations for the footbridge today, I think this Bank Holiday will come too soon, maybe the one at start or June will be more realistic. As long as its soon though, I'm sick of of going 'round the reekin'.

Well other than recently, they really can't blame cold or wet weather for the delay, but I think it may help if they had a few more people working on the construction. To me there's no coordination in the work & they seem to work on a section & before they have finished, move on to something else

Had a close look at the structure today. I thought the yellow looking beams were exactly that. However, they are wood effect.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/1106/tescos07052012001.jpg



http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/3008/tescos07052012002.jpg





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http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8572/tescos07052012011.jpg


http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2109/tescos07052012012.jpg



http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9349/tescos07052012013.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/508/tescos07052012014.jpg


http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8871/tescos07052012015.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/9416/tescos07052012016.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/7153/tescos07052012017.jpg


http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1310/tescos07052012018.jpg


http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1654/tescos07052012019.jpg

Thanks for the update again Oldbury:)

Yes great photo's Oldbury, Are the Red & white barriers marking the actual size of what this building going to be?

Epoc update that

I've just been past it, and i can't see to think what the wooden beams are going to be, it seems to big to be the actual mall/walkway, seems nore like the roof of Tesco alone..

Nandos and Prezzo have been confirmed as tenants. Brilliant news.

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/news/article/1691/tasty_new_lettings_for_west_bromwich_scheme

Great to hear more tennants signing up, I wonder when they will start marketing the extension bit of the centre they put the app in for?

Cheers benjyt:)

Epoc update that

I've just been past it, and i can't see to think what the wooden beams are going to be, it seems to big to be the actual mall/walkway, seems nore like the roof of Tesco alone..

I think it's just the frontage to Tesco. The Tesco is due to stretch in line with the start of Summerfield Avenue. I guess the white parts of the build is the warehouse because the service yard is directly behind it.

I think it's just the frontage to Tesco. The Tesco is due to stretch in line with the start of Summerfield Avenue. I guess the white parts of the build is the warehouse because the service yard is directly behind it.

Oh I see, its a different way to build isn't it?

Thanks for the news on Nandos also, that's sure to pull a crowd in, also Prezzo is great too, there's not one in Birmingham.

Oh I see, its a different way to build isn't it?

Thanks for the news on Nandos also, that's sure to pull a crowd in, also Prezzo is great too, there's not one in Birmingham.

Probably due to their sustainability commitment - I'm not certain but I believe they did some experiment with one of their Tesco Lotus stores, using more sustainable materials.

They've built loads of stores over the past few years this way - a two-story metal frame for the back of house where the storage, staff areas and plant equipment is, and a single storey (but as high as the two storey section) timber frame for the shop floor section. You can just make out the large Y shaped timber roof supports that will be in the middle of the shopfloor. These look quite good (for a supermarket) up close. Typhoon2000 is right, it is supposed to be more enviromentally friendly/sustainable than the regular steel and glass shed.

Whats this used for?

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/7153/tescos07052012017.jpg

Markb03 - Its number one Providence Place and its a specialist BT call centre.

West Bromwich Building Society are in talks to move to the site directly next to it.

I have never noticed it. Is it there now or being built?

Ah, I thought the BT place was quite oddly placed, as it seems to be bang in the middle of a big plot stopping anything more substantial being built - but if WBBS are moving in and other things then it makes more sense. Anything else in the pipeline for that patch?

I have never noticed it. Is it there now or being built?

Its very much open and will hold about 350 staff. 250 have been recruited so far I believe. It opened around November.

Ah, I thought the BT place was quite oddly placed, as it seems to be bang in the middle of a big plot stopping anything more substantial being built - but if WBBS are moving in and other things then it makes more sense. Anything else in the pipeline for that patch?

Just those two at the moment and once complete that will be phase one finished. Phase two is for smaller office blocks (a bit like Castlegate - Dudley) and small eateries such as Subway. Phase three will only be considered it the other two are successful and that is to take this area down Sandwell Road towards Dartmouth House/Court House.

the base for the pedestrain suspention bridge is comeing along ( in pink )

will be intresting to watch it being lifted into place when the time comes :nuts:



http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9619/003jwd.jpg



http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/2007/002tt.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6932/001xisk.jpg




http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/724/005pg.jpg





http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/6272/006typ.jpg

will be intresting to watch it being lifted into place when the time comes :nuts:



Make sure you let me know when you know its going to happen :wink2:

the base for the pedestrain suspention bridge is comeing along ( in pink )

will be intresting to watch it being lifted into place when the time comes :nuts:



http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9619/003jwd.jpg



http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/2007/002tt.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6932/001xisk.jpg




http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/724/005pg.jpg





http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/6272/006typ.jpg

Cheers for the update as always olbury:) Looking forward to the road finally opening

Amazing updates Oldbury. Many thanks. Looking forward to this finishing. I live 5 minutes away.

Found this render, ain't seen it before.. Off the CABE website

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110118095356/http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/imagecache/Large/webimages/west-bromwich-tesco-web2.jpg

The shopping centre part of New Square is going up now. Looking at the layout on page one of this thread the unit going up first appears to be Next.

^^ Starting to take shape now

http://80.194.71.69/record/current.jpg?rand=905722

The new second phase has been approved also, so should see that go up too!!

Great news! I wonder what tennants expressed an interest or even signed up for them to go back to planning with 4 extra rather large units?

tescos ,update 13-05-2012 part 1

anyone have any particular places they would like to see photos of ??


http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/6600/84881271.jpg


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http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5475/90046747.jpg


http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/280/27960050.jpg

tescos ,update 13-05-2012 part 2

original photos 10million pixel , downsized to fit for easy upload .

ill be back :nuts:


http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/6862/54490415.jpg


http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6633/24807636.jpg


http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/9540/18146587.jpg

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Cheers for the great update as always oldbury:) I think you've pretty much covered everything!

Regarding The Public possibly being up for sale with other uses being looked at for the building... Anyone else think House of Fraser when they see it? Its the correct colour scheme already... lol

Cheers for the great update as always oldbury:) I think you've pretty much covered everything!

Regarding The Public possibly being up for sale with other uses being looked at for the building... Anyone else think House of Fraser when they see it? Its the correct colour scheme already... lol

Not sure if you have been in The Public but there is so much wasted space in there! Really not sure what could be turned into unless they rip the whole insides out of it.

I think the area is badly lacking a decent theatre but again not sure if the building could accommodate it.

I really have no idea what could be done with. I wouldn't want it to leave our landscape though so please don't demolish it! Future listed building I reckon ;-) Guess we can look at the Millennium Dome for inspiration.

Nope never been inside!

I'd think it'd be quite east to convert it to be honest. The only options for it in my opinion are either offices or a large department store, possibly a leisure destination like Star City, combination of some of these... Casino, Restaurants, Bowling Alley, 5 a Side, Possibly Laser Quest arena or ice skating rink maybe?

Nope never been inside!

I'd think it'd be quite east to convert it to be honest. The only options for it in my opinion are either offices or a large department store, possibly a leisure destination like Star City, combination of some of these... Casino, Restaurants, Bowling Alley, 5 a Side, Possibly Laser Quest arena or ice skating rink maybe?

The borough is definitely lacking all of those anyway. An ice rink would go down a storm IMO, the nearest to West Bromwich is Telford or Birmingham. Not one anywhere else for miles, people would travel to use it.

Take a look at this link for some images of inside The Public.
http://www.counterwork.co.uk/index.php/work/the_public_inquiry/

Would be easily accessable being so close to the M5 i doubt it would happen though.

Has wolvo got an ice rink?

Would be easily accessable being so close to the M5 i doubt it would happen though.

Has wolvo got an ice rink?

No they don't, I would imagine the closest to Wolvo would be Telford.

A perfect place for an ice rink would be Castlegate at Dudley, no idea why there isn't one there.

Nope never been inside!

I'd think it'd be quite east to convert it to be honest. The only options for it in my opinion are either offices or a large department store, possibly a leisure destination like Star City, combination of some of these... Casino, Restaurants, Bowling Alley, 5 a Side, Possibly Laser Quest arena or ice skating rink maybe?

the main reason the building went waaaaaaaay over budget was down to the design of the floors has they spiral around and down the edge inside the building ,and the other was the suspended cinama , easy to draw out on paper but a nightmare to build . had it been normal solid floors it would have been a quarter of the cost , so takeing it all out and reflooring the hole building is going to be another huge cost ! the center floors what the public dont see are for offices ,but no one would take them on because the rent is so was so high ! not shure if they used now ?
ill find out .

the main reason the building went waaaaaaaay over budget was down to the design of the floors has they spiral around and down the edge inside the building ,and the other was the suspended cinama , easy to draw out on paper but a nightmare to build . had it been normal solid floors it would have been a quarter of the cost , so takeing it all out and reflooring the hole building is going to be another huge cost ! the center floors what the public dont see are for offices ,but no one would take them on because the rent is so was so high ! not shure if they used now ?
ill find out .

I'm pretty sure the last office was leased out earlier this year. I think the council have space in there as do some web designers and a disability charity.

I'm pretty sure the last office was leased out earlier this year. I think the council have space in there as do some web designers and a disability charity.

I think I read that the top floor of the public never been used & that was or is going to be converted into offices. Apparently the areas was too big & needed to be section off into smaller units.

I don't care what it's used for as long as it's used & I certainly wouldn't welcome any idea of knocking it down.

It was voted one of the top must see buildings in the UK not long back

Would be easily accessable being so close to the M5 i doubt it would happen though.

Has wolvo got an ice rink?
The local schools around here had their lessons at Telford (lucky buggars) so that must be the closest. (Wolvo)

A House of Frasier would be nice for West Brom but could spell the end of Beatties in Wolverhampton, it's already downsized significantly. ;-;

Does West Brom currently have any department stores?

The local schools around here had their lessons at Telford (lucky buggars) so that must be the closest. (Wolvo)

A House of Frasier would be nice for West Brom but could spell the end of Beatties in Wolverhampton, it's already downsized significantly. ;-;

Does West Brom currently have any department stores?

West Brom has literally nothing mate, the biggest stores this year were River Island (closed two months ago) and WHSmith (closes this Saturday). The only 'real' stores that are left up there are Argos, New Look and Wilkinson's amongst your Greggs and McDonalds.

Deichmann Shoes and Phones 4 U have been confirmed as taking up units at New Square.

Cheers for the info benjyt

Seems it may have the same tennants as the swan in yardley, probably get a good deal with spenhill managing both

West Brom has literally nothing mate, the biggest stores this year were River Island (closed two months ago) and WHSmith (closes this Saturday). The only 'real' stores that are left up there are Argos, New Look and Wilkinson's amongst your Greggs and McDonalds.


When I heard Smiths was shutting, my instant thought was crafty, they are going to reopen in the New Square. If they hadn't closed & waited, then opened up in the New Square, they & the developers would have been accused of of removing trade from another part of the town. This way, if they do open again, it will come over as aint we marvelous, we are bringing new business to the town

Watch this space

Cheers for the info benjyt

Seems it may have the same tennants as the swan in yardley, probably get a good deal with spenhill managing both

The list on the spenhill site is not really up to date. What other stores have they opened then?

When I heard Smiths was shutting, my instant thought was crafty, they are going to reopen in the New Square. If they hadn't closed & waited, then opened up in the New Square, they & the developers would have been accused of of removing trade from another part of the town. This way, if they do open again, it will come over as aint we marvelous, we are bringing new business to the town

Watch this space

I thought that, I do know that River Island (already closed) and Boots were considering moving over to New Square.

The list on the spenhill site is not really up to date. What other stores have they opened then?

As far as I'm aware, planning app wise we've seen the following for the Swan in Yardley

Betfred, Card Factory, Just for Pets, Phones 4U, Specsavers, Costa, Greggs, Subway, Timpsons, Shoezone, 99p Store

I thought Deichman Shoes had signed up to Yardley aswel but looking back on the thread maybe not

New Squares seems to be pulling in much more than Swan Centre

Got some photo's the same day as Oldbury but just got the chance to upload them, not as detailed though!

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/97/imag3836c.jpg

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/3062/imag3835.jpg

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/9113/imag3834.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3029/imag3833.jpg

being has "THe pUbLiC " keeps croping up on photos ive taken a few for anyone that wants to see what there missing . 67 photos ( not perfect ) zipped up in a file to down load that show most of what the building looks like .

http://www.sendspace.com/file/lkbq0a

Have a look on the A41 webcam website, loads of updates

http://www.sandwell-a41.co.uk/Home.html

cheers for the link:)

This may be of interest to Jack and Sam..
The landmark cable stayed bridge is being built away from the site. Preparations are underway for the arrival of the bridge at the end of May including the construction of new foundations.


These are from April, theyve been removing a lot of the red support cross beams over this week
http://www.sandwell-a41.co.uk/content_images/large/CMMMGP.jpg

http://www.sandwell-a41.co.uk/content_images/large/ZMUQRW.jpg

Only a few actually remain on the side closest the M5
http://a41sandwell.dyndns.org:8888/record/current.jpg?rand=427729

tescos looks a little bigger today , looks like they have started on the roof too


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/1-11.jpg


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/2-11.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/3-10.jpg


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/4-8.jpg


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/5-8.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/6-7.jpg


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/7-4.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/8-3.jpg

Thanks for the update as always Oldbury:)

I wonder what they plan on doing with the Tesco back area? I hope it isn't just left bland, would like to see signage on it for New Square or something

Thanks Sefton, I have sent them an email to try and find out an exact date. I'm guessing it will be a weekend and overnight!

I wouldn't be surprised if they lifted it in over the bank holiday to be honest

Thanks for the update as always Oldbury:)

I wonder what they plan on doing with the Tesco back area? I hope it isn't just left bland, would like to see signage on it for New Square or something

Are you referring to the area where they are going to build the Hotel & Petrol Station? If So that area I think should have some sort of metal framed sculpture incorporated into a welcoming sign

^^ This pic, the blank metal sheet clad walls?


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/5-8.jpg

I am surprised that Tesco have not got the new fuel station built and operating yet. There is a massive gap in the market that side of the town for a fuel station. I emailed Tesco two or so months ago and they said its not on the list to open within the next six months.so that rules out up until September time.

Oh I see Sefton, it would look a little bland if it remains the same. I like those metal profile sculptures that they have on the A41 side of Morrisons in Wednesbury. Maybe they could incorporate something similar but on a much larger scale?

Oh I see Sefton, it would look a little bland if it remains the same. I like those metal profile sculptures that they have on the A41 side of Morrisons in Wednesbury. Maybe they could incorporate something similar but on a much larger scale?

A green living wall would look good but not going to happen, I hope they atleast put New Square Shopping Centre signage up on it, maybe with signage for the tennants, break it all up a bit

A green living wall would look good but not going to happen, I hope they atleast put New Square Shopping Centre signage up on it, maybe with signage for the tennants, break it all up a bit

Well it would be a crime if they left it blank, but I suppose with the corporate image Tesco portray, it does leave them a little restrictive what they will do with it.
I just hope they don't encourage the local youth to dawb paint all over it in the name of art/graffiti

cheers for the link:)

This may be of interest to Jack and Sam..



These are from April, theyve been removing a lot of the red support cross beams over this week
]



thanks Sefton

i would have to agree and say that it would probably be the bank holiday wekend

greetings all , a few photos from this morining and some taken later in the day. :)







http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/9118/tesco230512001.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/5848/tesco230512002.jpg



http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4771/tesco230512003.jpg


http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5616/tesco230512004.jpg


http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/904/tesco230512005.jpg


http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/681/tesco230512006.jpg


http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8205/tesco230512007.jpg


http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/8886/tesco230512008.jpg


http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/2035/tesco230512010.jpg


http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2848/tesco230512011.jpg



http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/5927/tesco230512012.jpg


http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/186/tesco230512013.jpg


http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/9527/tesco230512014.jpg



http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/4131/tesco230512015.jpg


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http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/878/tesco230512017.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9971/tesco230512018.jpg


http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5496/tesco230512019.jpg


http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/812/tesco230512020.jpg


http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/2042/tesco230512021.jpg


http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3468/tesco230512022.jpg






WH smiths taken on sat 19-05-12 on the final day
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/6073/tesco230512023.jpg



WH smiths taken today
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1489/tesco230512024.jpg

Why has WH Smiths closed?

Thanks for the great update again Oldbury:)

The paving in the first pic is really nice, would work well replacing the block paving in Birmingham with that in my opinion

Theyve started to cement up the walls of the new underpass now

Why has WH Smiths closed?

It halved its floorspace inside over the last decade and had poor sales.

I reckon it will turn up at New Square though.

Ouch, the five year old quarter of a million pound paving outside the public has been pulled up.

On the plus side though I am happy that is closed, its a pedestrianised route and the amount of cars flying through there over the last six weeks without any prosecution whatsoever was disgusting.

Excellent pictures Oldbury! Please keep them coming.

Has the Tesco got any windows in it at all??

Ouch, the five year old quarter of a million pound paving outside the public has been pulled up.

On the plus side though I am happy that is closed, its a pedestrianised route and the amount of cars flying through there over the last six weeks without any prosecution whatsoever was disgusting.

The road will only be closed for the next 8 weeks while they repave it

The road will only be closed for the next 8 weeks while they repave it

Yes, I understand it's a temporary closure but I hope it will get the ignorant drivers out the habit of using a pedestrianised road as a short cut. Six cars I saw drive through on an evening in the space of two or three minutes!

Yes, I understand it's a temporary closure but I hope it will get the ignorant drivers out the habit of using a pedestrianised road as a short cut. Six cars I saw drive through on an evening in the space of two or three minutes!

Oh I see, there will never be a way to stop rivers going down there, I can only think of a camera that will catch the reg, and send a warning to there house, they should do that with corporation street in town also

Oh I see, there will never be a way to stop rivers going down there, I can only think of a camera that will catch the reg, and send a warning to there house, they should do that with corporation street in town also

When it first became pedestrianised the police were there quite often pulling people over and fining. I'm sure it was a nice little earner so don't really know why they stopped pulling people up.

Not sure why they stopped, but with technology these days I think they could just get a camera that recognises number plates.

Went around the back of Queens Square car park couple days ago and noticed they have modified the junction with new traffic lights.

Problem with that is genuine reasons for vehicles needing to use the area, such as deliveries and workmen.

The best solution is barriers/ bollards, busses and any vehicles that may require regular access are fitted with devices that mean they open automatically, and any unusual visitors, workmen that aren't always needing access use an intercom unit, it all down to cost really

Email back....................

Good Afternoon Jack,


Thank you for your interest in the project. The bridge lift is planned for 28th May subject to suitable weather conditions. We plan to do some time lapse photography to include a short film of the bridge lift on the web site. The crane information is as follows.


( Blah Blah Blah, Interesting crane stuff you guys wouldnt really care about )
The main crane which will be used to lift the mast and the three sections of decking is 350 tonne Terex AC350/6. The outrigger base centres are 8.687 m by 8.5 m. Each outrigger will be sitting on 3.0 m by 2.2 m mats to spread the load onto the concrete base slabs. Crane size based on 25.5m slew radius.


The mast will be delivered to site as one complete section, 24.1 m high by 6.1 m tapering to 0.75 m weighting 22.2 tonnes.

There will be three sections of decking:

1st section - approx. 13.55 m by 4.1 m weight = 13.1 tonnes

2nd section - approx. 12.8 m by 4.1 m weight = 10.3 tonnes

3rd section - approx. 25.1 m by 4.1 m weight = 20.1 tonnes



A second crane Liebherr LTM1055-3.1 will be used to lift and hold stay cables. This crane will be sitting on the high level south verge of the gyratory, but initially will be in the trough aiding main crane when offloading tower.



Regards,



Robin Weare
Development Manager, Street Scene

Thanks for the info Jack:) They really are ploughing forward with the underpass now.

Any idea what time the lift is planned for? I assume late night/early morning?

I have sent an email back asking just that mate!

ahh good:)

24m high bridge will make quite an impact here

Thanks for sharing that email Jack.

Does anyone know how long the installation is likely to take?

cool , looks like every one with a camera will be there then :lol:

Indeed :P

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/IMG_0001.jpg





http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/IMG_0002.jpg

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http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/IMG_0078.jpg

Great pictures again Oldbury.

I'm guessing the road will be open by end of August? Or am I being unrealistic?

Great pictures again Oldbury.

I'm guessing the road will be open by end of August? Or am I being unrealistic?

http://www.sandwell-a41.co.uk/userfiles/file/Underpass/Underpass_Slide8.pdf

If you look on the above link, the footbridge is the final part of construction, so I guess after that it's just the cosmetic bits need doing, liking tarmacing , curbs & safety barriers?

They claim Autumn, but they don't say which bit

Oh no, blue fences? I know its Sandwell but come on?

Great Pictures Oldbury :)

Thanks for the info Jack:) They really are ploughing forward with the underpass now.

Any idea what time the lift is planned for? I assume late night/early morning?

Here we go everyone!

Latest News **BRIDGE LIFT**

Subject to suitable weather conditions, the footbridge will be lifted into position by crane on Monday 28th May 2012. Approximate times for the lift are between 11.30am and 3.00pm. A public viewing area will be available at West Bromwich Fire Station.

Also, The lift may carry on till Tuesday......They hope to have the A frame in around lunch time.

Oh no, blue fences? I know its Sandwell but come on?

Great Pictures Oldbury :)


how about this , noticed these this morning in west brom next to the church.
the original colours are blue ,and there were 3 others painted ? a test maybe ??


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/2-13.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/1-13.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/3-11.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/4-9.jpg

thanks for the info and pics guys:)

Noticed today a For Sale sign has gone up just outside the entry/exit road for the fire station/ambulance station, Are they due to move or something?

thanks for the info and pics guys:)

Noticed today a For Sale sign has gone up just outside the entry/exit road for the fire station/ambulance station, Are they due to move or something?

It's the ambulance station, I think its closed and they are based elsewhere now. The fire station is not affected.

ahh cheers, I guess the plot involves what they're currently using for the site offices/ stores for the road?

how about this , noticed these this morning in west brom next to the church.
the original colours are blue ,and there were 3 others painted ? a test maybe ??


Oh they should stick to the Blue and White, I know earlier I was moaning about the blue fencing, but Red? Thats just going to look out of place!

ahh cheers, I guess the plot involves what they're currently using for the site offices/ stores for the road?

There's a big site off the espressway, it was part of Hargate Primary School. It is due to be handed back to them once works are complete.

Just saw part of the new bridge. Its parked up on the ramp down towards the new tunnel. Its the main upright 25 metre part.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/5154/56935556.jpg



http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2341/93739156.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/8436/80020125.jpg



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http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/7890/14526645.jpg


http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1236/55719122.jpg

Thanks for the update Oldbury:)

Wonder where it got delivered from being so wide? Will definitely make an impact when its up

The blue railings actually look quite smart in my opinion

I'm Guessing it would be from Mabey Bridge, Chepstow.

Great pictures of MA's new wagon!

yes thats one nice volvo and trailor :): looks like all deliveries will have to go through this end has theres no way of getting through the other end ,maybe there will be some more parts arrive tomorrow ?

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/2-1.jpg


bit & bobs for the crane
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/1-3.jpg

This is actually a 500 tonne crane and not a 350 like I was told....this has been brought straight from snow hill.

This is actually a 500 tonne crane and not a 350 like I was told....this has been brought straight from snow hill.

ye i had a bit of a shock when i saw it ,still the bigger the better . a Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1 would of been nice :nuts:

oh no hahah thats too big, gastly thing if you ask me! Give me a 1350, 1400 or 1500 any day.....

....I started to make a timeplapse and the webcam has gone down :/ ffs

A frame has been suspended now for a good 3 hours-ish.....From what I can see, they lifted it up but have to way of unhooking the chains at the top...an access platform has just arrived to take them off!!!

blue railings


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/4-11.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/3-2.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/2-2.jpg


the bolts dont seem that big !
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/1-15.jpg

thanks for the updates guys:)

I guess this will be finished off tomorrow now?

Yeah, the bridge has been built up and the rigging checked checked earlier!

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2357/imag3930.jpg

the last and biggest part of the bridge decking arrived mid afternoon , after the A frame had gone up the rest of the day was spent attaching the cables to the A frame which took a long time ! 6 in total ,the 3 deck sections were unloaded next to the crane (something a could not photo) ready for the lift Tomorrow .

just a few photos


the first cable

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/3-3.jpg




http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/4-12.jpg


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/5-10.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/6-2.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/7-5.jpg


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/8-5.jpg


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/9-1.jpg

the largest section

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/10-2.jpg

Ainscough ,to the moon and beyond
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/12-2.jpg

Brill photo's.....If I cant get into cranes when I leave sixth form....I want to build bridges!

Brill photo's.....If I cant get into cranes when I leave sixth form....I want to build bridges!

Just looking at the scale of the suspension cables compared the workmen is enough of an inspiration and reinforces in my mind why I became an engineer. Fantastic stuff to see.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/3-3.jpg

What great photo's guys.

Just looking at the Tesco webcam, traffic seems to be flowing past the Public again? I thought the Road was closed for a few weeks?
The amount of traffic using it, you would think the Council would get a few cameras up & start fining drivers & for the money rasied to go towards some other project, like the new Swimming Pool.

Red Ape - I have just walked passed the public, the road has holes in it and it is definitely closed. However, there are cars parked outside it I think this is because the nearby car park is unaccessable.

When the road is open for traffic again it will be used by lots of people as a short cut, I think its a disgrace and the police should pull their fingers out and fine people.

The first section of the bridge is down, it sits at the bottom of the A frame.

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/4-12.jpg

:lol: Brilliant! Great work as always oldbury, keep it up! :happy:

Red Ape - I have just walked passed the public, the road has holes in it and it is definitely closed. However, there are cars parked outside it I think this is because the nearby car park is unaccessable.

When the road is open for traffic again it will be used by lots of people as a short cut, I think its a disgrace and the police should pull their fingers out and fine people.

The first section of the bridge is down, it sits at the bottom of the A frame.

I just read something in the Chronicle that cars can park there with Disabled badges & at the moment can be accessed from the Chronhills Link Way for 5 weeks & then it swaps so it can be accessed from New Street.
But like everything else I suppose it's being abused & anyone parking there.

1st base :cheers:


http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/1.jpg


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http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/11.jpg



http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/8.jpg


http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/10.jpg


http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/9.jpg


http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/7.jpg


http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/6.jpg


http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/5.jpg

Loving it, great pics.

Is there a reason the foot bridge is on lower ground than the two road bridges? Seems an odd way to do it.

I love the structure just not keen on the blue at all! The railings would have been much nicer in a white finish or even a grey/silver to match the A frame.

This is the artists impression.
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/540road.jpg

I love the blue, it makes a big difference going from the west mids to leicester, where everything is Wolves yellow. The blue definately looks nicer. Not sure about white for these things as it wouldn't be white for very long.

Thanks for all the detailed updates .

Here is a video and article from The Express & Star : http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/05/29/work-takes-place-on-a41-expressway-footbridge-west-bromwich/

Great Update Oldbury:)

Back tomorrow for the rest? lol

Has anybody been taking screen shots of the lift from the webcam? I have pretty much missed all the lifts and caught everything between! Still...it looks ok!

But if anyone has any screen grabs, they would be helpful :)

They are still grafting away as I type, the bridge now reaches across the length of the road and is complete, just tightening and attaching a few things.

the bridge this morning ,just had time to get a few shots .
notice the cranes gone !

anyone else seen any other photos on any other sites ??

http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/2-2.jpg

http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/4-2.jpg

http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/1-2.jpg

http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q533/OLDBURY63/3-2.jpg

Great pics as usual Oldbury, please keep it up!

It's gonna be so cool looking back at these photo's when its all complete and running

Not a very good timelapse but will tide you over until The official one is released! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfpwltC3AOI&feature=youtu.be)

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Thanks for the update oldbury:)

Looks good, looking forward to the underpass finally opening!