It'll most likely just be a Netto upgraded into a AsdaOr a Netto downgraded to an Asda. Depends how you look at it.

If you want cheap prices, Netto, if you want better quality food, Netto.

Here is the new Netto/Asda, the've completed the new junction for entrance, not sue how long is left till this is open either

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5280/5867317072_69104255d8_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/5866764477_97bd6e2b29_b.jpg

I saw this for real last week and I'm disgusted that the lovely period Kings Highway pub has been replaced by yet another white plastic piece of trash. Ditto for Co-op in Northfield. Why don't these architects look at Tesco in Spring Hill and think about using finishes that are softer and in keeping with their surroundings???

This zoo is really in need of some major investment!
Heritage Lottery Fund grant to restore Dudley Zoo's Tecton buildings

by Alun Thorne, Birmingham Post
Jul 4 2011

A collection of buildings in the Black Country that lay claim to launching the modernist revolution of the middle of the 20th century are set to be saved for posterity after securing a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The four buildings designed by architects from the Tecton movement at Dudley Zoological Gardens will be overhauled as part of a £1.15 million programme.

The HLF has approved a grant for £123,000 to kick off the project and the zoo must submit more detailed plans over the next two years to secure a further £970,000.

The Black Country zoo, which sits next to the 11th century Dudley Castle and enjoys 200,000 visitors a year, contains the world’s largest single collection of Tecton buildings, named after the renowned Modernist architects chosen to design the zoo in the 1930s and led by Russian-born Berthold Lubetkin.

The Tecton Group were instrumental in bringing modernist architecture to the UK, and this complex survives as the only collection of interrelated Tecton designs in Britain and one of few remaining throughout Europe.

After consultations that were started in started in 2008, all 12 of the zoo’s Modernist structures received World Monuments Fund status and placed on a watch list alongside Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal.

Larry Priest, of Bryant Priest Newman architects, said: “We are very pleased to be working with DZG in developing detailed proposals for the repair of four of the modernist Tecton structures.

"The buildings, unknown to many, are of worldwide importance and we hope this is the first step in what will ultimately be the repair and conservation of all of the structures at Dudley.

“I visited the zoo as a young child, as a student of architecture and as an adult with my own children and feel very privileged to be involved with the project.”

The scheme will see the renovation of the Bear Ravine, Front Entrance, Safari Shop and Kiosk One – plus the refurbishment of the region’s only chairlift which next year celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Tecton structures were designed and constructed between 1935 and 1937 using reinforced concrete - a pioneering system at the time.

The funding will also support a signage and education project for the programme.

DZG chairman, Coun David Spark, OBE, said: “These buildings are amongst the most significant in the history of Modern Architecture.

“People just do not realise how much today’s world has been shaped by the concepts and techniques pioneered with these buildings in the 1930s.”

Peter Suddock, Chief Executive of DZG, said: “This is fantastic news. It’s been a long journey and we have worked very closely with Heritage Lottery Fund, the World Monuments Fund, English Heritage and 20th Century Society throughout.

“At the moment we are preparing final details, and subject to the necessary approvals, phase one will start with the chairlift refurb next spring.”

The £1.15 million will be further boosted by £300,000 of DZG funding to provide a new Welcome Plaza. This will include the reconfiguring of eight turnstile entrances to allow immediate access from the public footpath.


Read More http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2011/07/04/heritage-lottery-fund-grant-to-restore-dudley-zoo-s-tecton-buildings-65233-28986905/#ixzz1R9yQ5aCv

Fantastic news. It'll be brilliant to get the proper entrances put back in and all those amazing structures restored.

Now all we need is for that Metro stop to open up next door!

The all new Burnt Tree Island traffic-lighted crossroads junction on the Dudley/Sandwell border finally opened yesterday! :cheer:

New £12.3m Burnt Tree junction opens to traffic

Motorists were using the new £12.3million Burnt Tree traffic junction for the first time today following the completion of a roadworks project lasting almost two years.

http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/WD4054475@Burntree-11-JAH-2.jpg

The mammoth roadworks scheme, which started in 2009, has seen the notorious roundabout on the border of Dudley and Tipton transformed into a crossroads.

Drivers have been hit by long delays and congestion during the work, while traders said takings had suffered.

But traffic was today running freely through the new junction and drivers welcomed its launch.

Irene Buscell, a grandmother-of-five from Coseley, who used to work for Hewitts on the site of the current Tesco store, said: “The traffic was terrible when it was an island but the lights should help a lot.

“The council has managed to open it up on time but it is pretty shoddy that they have left all the cones out from the work.”

Retired BT worker Mike Stamps, a grandfather-of-one living on Red Lion Close in Tividale, added: “I think the crossroads will be safer than the island ever was.”

But Gemma Moore, of St Mark’s Road, Dudley, who works at the Tesco on Birmingham Road, said: “I don’t think traffic was that bad before. The works were a waste of time.

“Our trade has gone down since this started.”

The road was dug up where the A4123 Birmingham New Road from Wolverhampton to Birmingham dissects the A461, from Tipton to Dudley.

Homeowners were forced to park cars miles away from where they live, and suffer the noise and smell of construction late into the night.

Crossroads with traffic lights have replaced the five- arm roundabout, with access to Tividale Road now via the Birmingham New Road.

It is hoped the work, a joint project between Dudley and Sandwell councils, will reduce congestion along two of the Black Country’s busiest commuter routes.

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/07/21/new-12-3m-burnt-tree-junction-opens-to-traffic/

But Gemma Moore, of St Mark’s Road, Dudley, who works at the Tesco on Birmingham Road, said: “I don’t think traffic was that bad before. The works were a waste of time.

“Our trade has gone down since this started.”

http://www.straferight.com/photopost/data/500/medium/double-facepalm.jpg

1. I don't think she ever bothered to notice that in rush hour it would take 30-45 minutes to get through the island. Traffic would build up at my home on the B'ham New Road which is a good 1.5 miles away.
2. Tesco has closed and is being rebuilt, a temporary metro store in its place. Now wonder trade is down, durr.

The all new Burnt Tree Island traffic-lighted crossroads junction on the Dudley/Sandwell border finally opened yesterday! :cheer:


http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/07/21/new-12-3m-burnt-tree-junction-opens-to-traffic/
^^
Someone got seriously "Burnt" "Stung" "Ripped Off" paying £12.3 million for replacing a roundabout with a set of lights and taking 2 years to do it!!! the Chinese could accomplish the same thing in 2 weeks at a fraction of the cost....just plain ridiculous:ohno::ohno::ohno:

^^ Didnt a lot of the money come from Tesco to pay for the junction improvements?

Plus China pay piss poor compared to us of course its going to be more here, It has really cut down the queues though

Brierley Hill regeneration plans approved
5:00pm Saturday 6th August 2011

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REGENERATION plans which will attract millions of pounds of investment into Brierley Hill town centre have now been finalised.

Dudley Council’s ‘Brierley Hill area action plan’, which includes plans for shops, homes, offices and leisure complexes, has been approved.

The plan will guide the regeneration of the High Street, Merry Hill and the Waterfront up to 2026. The proposals include linking Brierley Hill High Street with Merry Hill and the Waterfront to become one centre.

It will attract millions of pounds to the area and provide a starting point for planning decisions to be taken.

Travelling around the area is also likely to be made easier, with improved public transport links over the longer term.

Councillor Angus Adams, Dudley’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “These are exciting proposals, which will revolutionise shopping, working and socialising in Brierley Hill.

“The council has worked alongside partners to bring this plan to fruition and I am delighted it has been approved so we can get on with the job of making these plans a reality.”

The plans tie into the Black Country Core Strategy (the planning framework for the Black Country) and will see Brierley Hill become the strategic centre for Dudley.



http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/9177898.Brierley_Hill_regeneration_plans_approved/

The plans tie into the Black Country Core Strategy (the planning framework for the Black Country) and will see Brierley Hill become the strategic centre for Dudley.

"Brierley Hill Metropolitan Borough". :shifty:

I noticed the big new Tesco at Burnt Tree Island on Sunday when I was heading to the Black Country Living Museum. It's massive.

Might have also seen an ASDA near there.

Air your views on archives at borough roadshows
8:30am Monday 22nd August 2011

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A SERIES of roadshows are being held around the borough for people to have their say on council plans for a new archives service in Dudley.

Proposals to build a new state-of-the-art £6 million facility next to the Black Country Living Museum have already been submitted to planners but, as part of a three-month consultation, Dudley Council is taking a roadshow to venues in Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Brierley Hill and Coseley (where the current archives centre is based).

It will be at the Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, until August 30; at the current archive facility in Mount Pleasant Street, Coseley, from August 31 to September 9; at Stourbridge Town Hall on September 10; Stourbridge Library from September 12 to 26; Brierley Hill Library from September 27 to October 3; Halesowen Library from October 4 to October 10; and Dudley Library from October 11 to 17.

The roadshows will provide information about the planned new building and expansion and development of the archives and local history service which has outgrown its current base.

People attending will be able to air their views on how they would like the service to shape up in the future.

Following the consultation, the scheme will go before planners in the autumn - and, if approved, construction will begin next year.

Those unable to visit a roadshow can find further information and a questionnaire online at www.dudley.gov.uk, at borough libraries, leisure centres or Dudley Council Plus, or by calling 01384 817848.

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/9206249.Air_your_views_on_archives_at_borough_roadshows/



A quick search on google revealed this image
http://www.dudleynews.co.uk/resources/images/1691738/?type=display
http://www.dudleynews.co.uk/news/9155038.Help_develop_new_archive_service/

I went to the Black Country Living Museum (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/sets/72157627244660037) last week - all my photos are now on Flickr.

Here's a few "modern" pics

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6043479842_209a0fcf7d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6043479842/)
Welcome Black Country Living Museum (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6043479842/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/6043518140_589f93e892_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6043518140/)
Black Country Living Museum - Entrance (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6043518140/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6043524102_9909e52799_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6043524102/)
Black Country Living Museum - Entrance (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6043524102/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6042993279_aced363740_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6042993279/)
Black Country Living Museum - Rolfe Street Baths - exhibition rooms - Famous Faces - Famous Names (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6042993279/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

Walsall has finally got rid of the The Overstrand which blocked the view towards Saint Matthew's church on the hill .It looks a lot better now .

This is how locals viewed it before :http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/04/05/your-views-on-demolition-of-the-overstrand/

This is area now without the The Overstrand :http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/08/29/delight-as-eyesore-is-finally-demolished/

New development for Walsall .This will be on the old Tesco corner and should liven up that prominant area .

http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/commercial-property-birmingham/2011/08/26/plans-to-boost-walsall-retail-scene-are-passed-65233-29309342/

Lol @ "Black Country" Julie Walters! She was born and raised in a street directly behind Lightwoods Hall - ok it is officially Bearwood / Sandwell but a stone's throw from the Hagley Road! She's a Brummie!!

Not sure if its worth doing a seperate thread for this, if anyone thinks so you can repost this if you want

Oldbury Leisure Centre is now set to close at the end of October ahead of an £18m redevelopment...



Oldbury Leisure Centre is due to be replaced by the Portway Lifestyle Centre by 2013.

It is expected the building will close to customers for good on October 30th 2011.

The Portway Lifestyle Centre in Newbury Lane will be a new type of leisure centre, with sport and leisure facilities alongside social care and health services, including a GP surgery.

One of the first places of its kind in the country, it will be a centre of excellence with a particular focus on disabled people.

Facilities will include:

Four court sports hall,

Hydrotherapy pool - this is a small pool used for therapeutic purposes,

Café,

Sensory and therapy garden,

Climbing wall,

Dance studio,

Fitness gym,

Fulll-size artificial grass pitch for senior, junior and 5-a-side football,

and a GP surgery.

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure services Cllr Linda Horton said: "Oldbury Leisure Centre has served the community well but it is at the end of its useful life.

"Portway will be a superb replacement, serving everyone and particularly disabled people.

"We have legal and financial agreements to complete and then demolition work will start in earnest."

The Council and Sandwell Leisure Trust, which will run the centre, are working on the scheme with Sandwell Primary Care Trust and Sandwell Local Improvement Trust (LIFTCo).
http://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/News/oldbury-leisure-centre-to-close-on-30th-october-176.aspx

http://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/filestore/ariel%20front%20view.jpg

http://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/filestore/close%20up%20front%20view.jpg

http://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/filestore/ariel%20side%20view.jpg

http://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/filestore/high%20level%20front%20view.jpg
http://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/Images-of-Portway-Lifestyle-Centre

Quite an interesting development just off West Bromwich High Street .Some nice looking builds in the image.

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/823/regeneration_projects/1126/eastern_gateway_residential_led_mixed-use_scheme

Just when Walsall's St Matthew's church was getting a bit more prominant .

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/09/07/walsall-church%e2%80%99s-40k-bill-for-theft/

The new Providence Place building in West Bromwich .

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/galleries/gallery/14/providence_place_gallery

Worrying retail statistics for Dudley and West Bromwich .That is a lot of empty shops .

http://www.expressandstar.com/business/midlands-business/2011/09/08/dudley-now-worst-for-empty-shops/

New £120m scheme plan for Coseley
Tuesday 13th September 2011, 1:00PM BST.



Up to 1,300 new jobs, 200 homes and a supermarket could be created in the Black Country as part of a £120million scheme unveiled today.

Under the proposals a 66-acre site in Coseley would be redeveloped. New business units would be built to house existing and new firms, while a community hall and full-size football pitch would also be created on the site.

It also includes three industrial estates stretching between Birmingham New Road and Sedgley Road West. A food store, retail warehouse and a specialist shop are also planned as part of the Coseley Eco Park project.

The plans have been drawn up by the site’s owner, Skelton Group Investments. Director Graham Willson said an outline planning application would be submitted to Dudley Council next month.

Between 400 and 500 new jobs would be created by the new food store and wholesale warehouse while around 300 posts would be made available during the construction phase.

It’s hoped the rest of the new jobs can come from the park attracting new businesses to the site.


http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/09/13/new-120m-scheme-plan-for-coseley/

^^

When you look at that site on Bing Maps aerial there's a massive factory but when you zoom in on bird's eye the whole area has been cleared! Including the second hand car dealers on Sedgley Road West which backs onto the site - when I've passed that old empty forecourt I'd wondered why no one had ever bought it up - now I know why!

Made a thread for it.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=83776231

The old pub and car forecourt are not part of the development, it's on the site that is greyed off. It ends where the old Newey pin factory HQ offices (now Rathbone youth centre) were.

The site is huge. Long gone has the drop forge, made the ground shake if you stood on the Birmingham New Road, then so did 2,000-3,000 jobs that was there.

Worrying retail statistics for Dudley and West Bromwich .That is a lot of empty shops .

http://www.expressandstar.com/business/midlands-business/2011/09/08/dudley-now-worst-for-empty-shops/

I really think Dudley's had it as a town centre - I can't see where any revival is going to come from with Merry Hill and a massive Tesco on its doorstep and the council having seemingly no plan at all apart from trying to entice another supermarket in. It was on its way out when I was growing up there, and every time I go back now it just gets worse.

The thing about Dudley is that it's got quite a few really nice looking old buildings (albeit mostly destroyed on the ground floor by shop fronts). A lot of councils in small towns such as this are talking about trying to encourage more of a mix of residential/retail in their traditional high streets - I'd love Dudley to show some vision and try this as a kind of nationwide pilot. Potentially you could reduce the traditional core by half or even two thirds - essentially scaled back into the market square - and renovate a lot of the nice buildings on the surrounding streets into high quality flats or even houses.

Dudley needs to remove most of the shops, and have mixed use buildings. Could do with some decent office space, Falcon House and Cavendish House need to come down and be replaced with something suitable in a location closer to the town centre.

http://maps.google.com/?ll=52.510693,-2.078277&spn=0.000278,0.000681&t=h&z=21&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=52.510693,-2.078277&panoid=dPZ8SiebtpRfGBPXoT3pZg&cbp=12,143.6,,0,-18.07 <-- Yikes!

^^

Yes, the notorious Cavendish House - empty since 1994 I believe.

http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/WD3024422.jpg



Falcon House is okay though. :yes:

http://www.rbiassets.com/GetImage.ashx/14112006787/image.jpg/medium

Cavendish House should be turned into a hotel.

A Sandwell park is very loved .

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/09/22/warley-woods-is-voted-englands-favourite-park/

New Square

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

Thanks for the renders .I didn't realise the units came up so close to The Public .It will give the area an air of compactness; something which West Bromich lacks badly .Having the cinema close by will create a leisure destination I suppose .

It's just a shame that the whole scheme looks so uninspiring. Being so close to The Public, I'd expect a little bit more flare or daring features in the design but it's very bog-standard, except for the roof feature in the first render. I find it quite disappointing on the whole.

Unfortunately,I expected this kind of development .Just around the corner are the Astle Park buildings and they are equally uninspiring .

Astle Park .

http://www.zoopla.co.uk/property/5-astle-park/west-bromwich/b70-8ns/878870

Merry Hill expansion .

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/09/29/car-park-fees-on-way-in-merry-hill-scheme/

Great news, westfield also looking to expand their London Mall. The parking fees won't go down too well though I'm sure they tried it before, but Asda sainsburys and m&s wernt having it

I'd say that's bad news. Bad news for the rest of the Black Country.

Merry Hill expansion .

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/09/29/car-park-fees-on-way-in-merry-hill-scheme/
http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/tm_method=full&objectid=18003551&siteid=50002-name_page.html

http://www.expressandstar.com/latest/2006/10/27/parking-fees-for-merry-hill/


It seems to come up every year or so.

Okay, at the West Brom development, who will be the cinema operator? Reel Cinema's have it listed on their website the'll be opening here in 2012, but recent reports say Odeon are opening here, or am i missing something?

New hotel underway in Walsall .This area is starting to come together now .Unfortunately, there isn't a photo of how it will eventually look .

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/10/25/work-begins-on-10m-walsall-hotel/

Sadly I no longer live in Walsall so cant go out my way to get pictures. Has any elements around the waterfront opened yet?

Yes, the new flats were opened in the summer ; a friend of mine popped into the show apartment and said it was very nice .I'm glad the new hotel has started as it continues the momentum .A great project for Walsall .:)

Fantastic news, I really hope this area thrives, bringing in an alternative retail/dining experience. When I use to walk around the area though during construction, I never saw any ground floor retail units, am I missing something?

As you walk away from the art gallery I can't remember seeing any available units on the left .I'm not sure, but the retail/dining element may be proposed on the right side of the canal, close to where the new hotel is being constructed .

O ok, cheers for that Nacho!

£10.1m regeneration boost for Dudley
by Graeme Brown, Birmingham PostOct 27 2011


A £10.1 million regeneration scheme which will almost double visitor numbers to Dudley’s major tourist attractions to over one million people has been launched.

The scheme will involve major infrastructure improvements at the 200 hectare site which is currently home to Dudley Zoological Gardens, the Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Canal Trust.

This latest phase of the scheme is supported by over £4.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund, which is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government and matched by Dudley Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Dudley Zoological Gardens.

Communities Minister Baroness Hanham CBE said the initiative would create jobs and improve the local economy.


She said: “Like many towns in England, Dudley town centre has experienced economic decline over the last few decades with high unemployment levels due to the loss of traditional manufacturing.

“Through this project we have the opportunity to help address this issue, help to increase visitor numbers at key attractions and revitalise the area through the creation of an economically sustainable tourism and leisure cluster, which will create jobs for local people, support the local community and improve the overall performance of the area. I am delighted that we are able to offer funding support to such an important development.”

The project revolves around creating new access and infrastructure to create one shared arrival point for visitors to the three attractions together with the new archive building.

The scheme will provide new access, a visitor hub, a new physical link between the three existing attractions and will provide the basis for significant new private sector investment and jobs as result of new commercial and leisure activities locating nearby.

Councillor Les Jones, leader of Dudley Council said this latest phase forms part of a bigger £46 million redevelopment programme set for the Castle Hill site in Dudley town centre.

He said: “The development of Castle Hill is a key attraction not only for Dudley but for the whole region. This scheme has the scope to increase visitor numbers to the site from around 600,000 to one million people a year and the project is a major aspect of our current regeneration programme for the whole of the Dudley borough.

“I am delighted that the council, together with its regeneration company New Heritage Regeneration Limited has been able to work closely and successfully with the Department of Communities and Local Government and our partners that currently operate at Castle Hill to put this scheme together.”

The scheme will also involve a new entrance being created at Dudley Zoological Gardens.

Peter Suddock, chief executive at Dudley Zoological Gardens, added: “We are very supportive of the project, which will transform the area to the north of the site, and are delighted with the partnership with the local authority.

“These are exciting times for Dudley Zoological Gardens, as we are also working independently on a £1.15 million scheme for the restoration of four of our iconic Tecton buildings with Heritage Lottery Funding.”


Read More http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2011/10/27/10-1m-regeneration-boost-for-dudley-65233-29672016/#ixzz1c11XsQnd

*********

Here is the West Bromwich Eastern Gateway project model ; I like the look of this and I think I read that the monies have been secured .

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/galleries/gallery/16/item/180/eastern_gateway_model_august_2011

No one seemed to have posted a picture of the new College in West Brom. Pretty much completed now. Lots of construction going on in West Bromwich. Probably the most active town center for developments in the Black County IMO. Back in town for the week, so will be out and about with my camera.

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2041/2041_727x393.jpg

A41 Tunnel and Footbridge is moving on fast too

http://www.sandwell-a41.co.uk/userfiles/image/gallery/A41%20camera04%20full%20size.JPG

http://janbritton.org/files/2011/11/a41.jpg
http://www.sandwell-a41.co.uk/userfiles//Overview%20looking%20west,%20another%20road%20base%20slab%20being%20concreted.jpg
*Courtesy of SMBC
Providence Place is finished
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/1891/1891_728x546.jpg
First part of the new YMCA
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2047/2047_727x484.jpg

^^ There is a thread for Sandwell College in the Construction Section where you'll find some photo's. It seems there is a lot of ground works going on for the Tesco Development also. The BT Office seems to be open now too

Thanks for those highway pictures and welcome!!

A41 Tunnel and Footbridge is moving on fast too

Welcome to the forum. :wave: I'd completely forgotten about this underpass - I haven't been that way for a few months.

BOA could learn a thing or two about educational buildings from Sandwell! Fantastic looking building.

Got some photo's of the going's on in West Brom today, the site is very active, they have started digging for the new ringway that will go behind the new Tesco, i also this it may be possible to say that the Tesco Development is U/C as a lot of ground works are going on at the site. Also some photo's of the A41

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/8100/imag2668.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/9214/imag2669.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/2905/imag2670.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1736/imag2671.jpg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/6453/imag2672.jpg

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9666/imag2673.jpg

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/6480/imag2674.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7930/imag2675m.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/4216/imag2676.jpg

Driven through West Brom on the way to Sandwell&Dudley and it's a hive of activity. I noticed the work on the new part of the ring road - by the old Police Station has started.
Lot of work at the 'southern gateway' - the Lyng to you and me.
I also noticed that the council have started to put coloured tarmac down at the 'entry points' to the town centre. I've been told they wanted to put down multi-coloured stripes but in the end settled for a stretch of green. Not sure what it achieves but there again this is Sandwell Council.

I also noticed that the council have started to put coloured tarmac down at the 'entry points' to the town centre. I've been told they wanted to put down multi-coloured stripes but in the end settled for a stretch of green. Not sure what it achieves but there again this is Sandwell Council.

It is to create awareness for drivers that they are entering an area with significant amounts of pedestrians - a colour change helps demark a busy 'highway' from calmer streets. It becomes important when drivers are on long distance journeys and they reach areas where you need to get them to slow down considerably - psychologically this is actually quite difficult.

News from EGI, not sure this links up with the existing town centre so might be the final nail in the coffin for Dudley as a shopping area:

Dudley supermarket plans unveiled
Nick Whitten 21/12/2011 10:30

Mark Glatman's Abstract Securities has announced plans for a 75,000 sq ft supermarket scheme in Dudley town centre.

Cavendish Quarter Properties, a subsidiary of Abstract, is developing the supermarket in conjunction with Dudley council.

In addition to its ownership of Cavendish House in Dudley, CQP has confirmed today that it has entered into a number of legal agreements to acquire surrounding land to enable the development to take place.

Abstract's development director, Christopher McPherson, said: "We have been a landowner in Dudley for a several years and we have considered various options for Cavendish House over this period. We are at the early stages of discussions with a number of major supermarket retailers, and we have already secured the majority of land required which is not already in the ownership of ourselves or the local authority."

^^

Cavendish House is actually right by the town centre and bus station - all you have to do is cross (I think) Trindle Road and you're there.

It doesn't say what supermarket will be built there though.

^^It says that they are in early discussions with major supermarket retailers, no one has signed up for the supermarket yet.


I noticed that steelwork has flown up down opposite Dudley College. I'm guessing it's a new facility for them? I remember an article about it briefly but completely forgot what the building was for.

Well, apparently a lot is going to be happening in Dudley in the very near future, from money is being invested in the Zoo, the Black country Museum and the link road to connect the two attractions, with a new shared car park.
The town centre, once regarded as a boom town, housing, some of the nations leading retailers, and destroyed by corrupt councilors,which allowed an out of town shopping complex, literally 2.5 miles down the road, called Merry Hill.
15 years too late, the councilors have decided it is time to invest a little bit of money into a once thriving town, and rejuvenate it. They are proposing to revamp the market place, fountain & lay new paving across the High Street, illuminating some of Dudley's most historic, and symbolic buildings, along with the statues of Duncan Edwards, and the Earl of Dudley.
Dudley College are building two new campuses.
The Cavendish quarter, debacle has been going on for years, and now hopefully a concrete proposal looks to be in place........Could be 15 years a bit too late, me thinks.

Been trying to trace it in the thread, to check what's involved but work as begun at the Gallagher Retail Park at Wednesbury on what I assume is the new pub/restaurant. I assume its more than just the pub because the land being prepared is all the land fronting onto the M6 below IKEA.

:shifty:

Devon MP Gary Streeter in row over 'ugly' Dudley claim

A Devon MP has come under fire for branding the town of Dudley near Birmingham "ugly".

Conservative MP for South West Devon, Gary Streeter, was speaking during a Commons debate on town centres.

He called Plymouth Civic Centre "probably the ugliest thing outside Dudley".

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/58001000/jpg/_58001769__48603068_plymouth_civic_centre3_bbc.jpg

Labour MP for Dudley North, Ian Austin, condemned the remarks, calling on him to visit Dudley to see what it has to offer.

'Beautiful Dudley'

Mr Streeter was criticising a decision by English Heritage to give Plymouth's civic centre Grade II listed status in 2007.

The move scuppered plans by the city council to demolish the 14-storey building, which was opened by the Queen in 1962.

He said: "The decision to list Plymouth Civic Centre as some kind of historic and beautiful building when it's the ugliest thing, probably the ugliest thing outside Dudley, is absolutely disgraceful."

Mr Austin said: "Why should a place which boasts the UK's first national geological nature reserve, a fantastic castle, a beautiful town centre which traces its roots back to medieval Britain and the award winning Black Country Living Museum, be sneered at by someone like him?

"Should he not come by Dudley and see these gems for himself?"

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/58001000/jpg/_58001768_800px-dudley_castle_-england.jpg

Mr Streeter was unavailable for comment.

English Heritage said Plymouth civic centre was a "very important post war building and is an iconic feature in the centre of Plymouth".

It recommended the listing on the basis that it was a complete set of civic buildings and had an "unusual richness of art work" and "very fine internal decoration".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-16651130

Housing development for Walsall :

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/01/25/first-glimpse-of-future-for-former-estate-land/

West Bromwich Building Society is looking to move into the waterfront offices at Merry Hill after being discouraged from Providence Place due to price.

Yes, West Bromwich Building Society is looking new premises .The mid-rise block is likely to be demolished as too the tall college building next door .Apparantly, is going to be the Civic Quarter .

http://maps.google.es/maps?hl=es&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1168&bih=561&wrapid=tljp1327606425418083&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=west+bromwich+building+society+head+office&fb=1&gl=es&hq=west+bromwich+building+society+head+office&cid=0,0,1493340877909129177&ei=uKohT7u4IsOXOqqysLkI&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&sqi=2&ved=0CAsQ_BI

Here is a link to plans for the area :

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/494/planning-local_plans/1061/west_bromwich_civic_quarter-planning_and_design_brief_supplementary_planning_document

Not too keen on the following building for Dudley :

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/02/02/deal-is-signed-for-continental-style-bar/

Was just been nosy and found this, not sure we've seen it..

New look for Queen's Square

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/QUEENS_SQUARE_with_courtesy.jpg

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. The refurbishment should be complete in 2013 to coincide with the opening of the New Square development anchored by a Tesco Extra store.

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.

Not too keen on the following building for Dudley :

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/02/02/deal-is-signed-for-continental-style-bar/
http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/WD4189651@Carvers-Cafe-ema.jpg


This (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ll=52.511195,-2.084468&spn=0.000013,0.009624&t=m&layer=c&cbll=52.511195,-2.084468&panoid=KhZ_KXPAth95PMJCx9RJ9A&cbp=12,190.35,,0,4.16&z=17) is what the building currently looks like. It's a bit of a dead area - although it's also one of the more attractive parts of the town centre!

That Dudley street scene looks very good .

I don't think I've seen the West Brom image before .

Tipton Swimming Baths have now started, Groundworks/Piling ongoing

Willmott Dixon takes Tipton baths

Sandwell Council has accepted Willmott Dixon Construction’s £5.4m lowest bid to build a new swimming centre in Tipton.

http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/public/assets/news/2011/12/1323766908_tipton-swim-baths.jpg

Tipton Swimming Centre will have a 25m six-lane pool as well as a learner pool, changing facilities, a dance studio and a gym. The project is being designed to a BREEAM 'excellent' rating.

Construction is scheduled to start in January and complete in spring 2013.

and another pic from businessdesk
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/310x233/jan_12/businessdesk__1325584029_Tipton_swimming_baths_cropped.jpg?access=604T013T840

How uninspiring... :(

How uninspiring... :(

It's only swimming baths. And I think it's being built in an almost bleak area of wasteland in Tipton so anything is an improvement.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/310x233/jan_12/businessdesk__1325584029_Tipton_swimming_baths_cropped.jpg?access=604T013T840

:ohno: Is this a joke? they may as well go the whole hog and paint fish and boats on the side. FFS

As posted in the Retail Forum, I'll put it here too.

PureGym have put in a app to open in West Bromwich on the end unit next to Next Clearance at Astle Park

http://planapps.sandwell.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=Planning&appNumber=DC/12/5869A

Signage

http://planapps.sandwell.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Photo-559243.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=559243&location=VOLUME1&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=1

This lovely little church that I drive past every day in Old Hill has been demolished. Only the wall with the big window is left. Everything else, including the spire has gone. What a shame. :( It was looking very run down as you can see in the photos below, but a refurbishment into flats, offices or a wedding venue must have been an option.

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/photos/99/94/999429_df231285.jpg

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/18/63/2186347_5c9fc16c.jpg

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/18/66/2186676_93cde606.jpg

Wesleyan Methodist Church, Old Hill.

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2186347

I hadn't seen that church before ; what a shame to see it go .As you say VH they could have found another use .I wonder what is planned for the site .

Is the wall being retained or have they just not finished demolishing it yet?

Oh that's a shame. I haven't been that way for a while and I hate to say I've never really noticed the church before but it must have been rather impressive in its day.

Here it is on Street View. (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ll=52.472403,-2.054915&spn=0.000052,0.038495&t=m&z=15&layer=c&cbll=52.472388,-2.063275&panoid=_vm-yIDJDy3W_LOqxya_OA&cbp=12,231.7,,0,-2.47)



Is the wall being retained or have they just not finished demolishing it yet?

I was going to ask the same question. :)

Dudley museum and zoo news :

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/02/21/high-hopes-for-10m-dudley-zoo-and-museum-link/

App now gone in for Dudley Zoo work

Web Reference:
Application Date: 28-Feb-2012
Planning Application Reference: P12/0255

Registration Date: 27-Feb-2012
Decision Date:
Application Type: Listed Building Consent

Area: Development Control - North
Ward: Castle & Priory
Main Location: Dudley Zoo, Castle Hill, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4QE

Comment on this application

Proposal: Listed Building Consent to repair and make good four reinforced concrete structures at Dudley Zoo; Entrance structure, Station Cafe, Bear Ravine and Kiosk to include reinstatement to the original design of lost historic features.

Another new Centro bus station, this time for the Merry Hill Centre.

Cost £10m, half of that to be provided by the government.

No news on a layout or anything.

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/03/27/merry-hill-bus-station-to-get-10m-overhaul/

^^ good news cheers dbadger

Contractor appointed for borough archives

5:00pm Saturday 31st March 2012 in Black Country News
Contractor appointed for borough archives
DUDLEY Council has appointed a contractor for the new borough archive building.

G F Tomlinson will soon be starting to build the new multi-million pound facility on the site of the former Brierley Crystal, on Tipton Road in the next few works.

The new eco-friendly building will offer state-of-the-art facilities including IT suites, education and conference rooms, conservation studio, rare book library, research library and search room.

It is set to be completed and open to the public in summer 2013.

Phil Walker, construction director for G F Tomlinson said: “We are delighted to be appointed as contractor for the new archives and local history centre in Dudley and to be working in partnership with Dudley Council on such an exciting project. We are looking forward to building this first class centre that will be serving the local

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/blackcountry/9615352.Contractor_appointed_for_borough_archives/

New Tipton Swimming Centre is moving along update from Sandwell Council website, thought id post here instead of starting a thread as its only a smallish project
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/975/975_728x374.jpg

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/Tipton_Swimming_Centre_opening_early_2013.JPG

20th March
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/The_East_elevation_from_Upper_Church_Lane.JPG

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/The_deep_end.JPG

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/Reinforced_concrete_foundations.JPG

11th April
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/DSC01023.JPG

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/DSC01096.JPG

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/images/DSC01070.JPG

Despite having lived about a mile and a half from Tipton for 18 years, this is the first time I've realised that it's in Sandwell and not, as I always assumed, in Dudley.

Indeed, is it a recent thing? I only noticed when searching for a list of stations in Dudley and found Tiption station, and indeed the town, isn't in Dudley :S

Despite having lived about a mile and a half from Tipton for 18 years, this is the first time I've realised that it's in Sandwell and not, as I always assumed, in Dudley.

:shifty:


Indeed, is it a recent thing? I only noticed when searching for a list of stations in Dudley and found Tiption station, and indeed the town, isn't in Dudley :S

:shifty:

And no, Tipton has ALWAYS been in Sandwell - or Warley or whatever it was called before.

:shifty:

Sorry! I definitely lose Black Country Native points for that one. I'll try to make them up later in the month with a trip to Ma Pardoe's...

Campaign group formed to save Dudley Hippodrome with intentions of restoring it to a theatre.

http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/4262225280_2ea1903e61_b1.jpg
Source and article: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/04/13/campaign-to-save-dudley-hippodrome/

anyone know it well ? :nuts:


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/1-23_03_2011.jpg




http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/2--23_03_2011.jpg





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http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/11--27_12_20.jpg


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk209/ANDYZEBRA/12---02-03_12.jpg

Thanks for the photos ; I imagine no-one is upset to see that building go .Does anyone know what is planned for the site .Not more car parks I hope .

Thanks for the photos ; I imagine no-one is upset to see that building go .Does anyone know what is planned for the site .Not more car parks I hope .

The Tesco development, its all over in the construction thread.

Dudley mosque officially scrapped after a court ruling.

Just goes to show how hypcocritically racist people are with comments such as "I hope they build a church instead". It's not that it's a religious institution they're worried about, just that it's not their religious institution.

Looks like we're going to be stuck with a whole lot of nothing instead :)

The Public

"Property consultants have been commissioned to look into alternative uses for The Public. The company Jones Lang LaSalle has been asked by Sandwell Council to review the potential uses for the £72million West Bromwich arts centre. As part of the review the firm will look at potential uses for the New Street building and its capacity, as well as undertake a structural assessment and how the building could be disposed of."

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/04/18/experts-look-at-possible-uses-for-the-public-in-west-bromwich/

I've gotta say, I was extremely unimpressed by the Public.

We went to see the Top of the Pops exhibition (if you can call it that). The whole building is full of weird walkways showcasing broken electronic devices that don't appear to have even done much when they actually worked.

The only redeemable part was said exhibition, which was in a tiny room and really not worth the trek.

It would be perfect if they just stopped being arty-farty and put some actual art in there. I was expecting paintings, sculptures, something to actually look at. What's in there is a load of techie crap that isn't maintained and doesn't seem that well made in the first place.

Wasn't there talks of it becoming a bowling alley or something? They couldn't change it into a cinema, not with Odeon opening in New Square. Its a huge building too.

The Public really is a joke. Central West Bromwich is not the place to put capital investment in the arts on that scale, even if it had been a shining example of how to do it right. Central Birmingham is about the only place it would work in the region, and even then I'd be concerned about that kind of money being spent on a building when what the organisations it's trying to give a platform to really need is reliable funding to keep them solvent.

£72m put in a trust to provide revenue funding to Sandwell arts organisations would have paid for years of small-scale events and funding for tiny organisations. If they'd given it the brief to build capacity and work towards sustainability then it would have been enough money to try to fund the building of a really vibrant arts scene. Even the majority into revenue and a small amount to fund a couple of free galleries and, say, a subsisided recording/practice studio for local bands would have been good.

hmm I wonder if with the Tesco New Square development and the other shopping centre seeing a refurb maybe the public will be an attractive building for a new department store maybe? Anyone got figures on floorspace sizes? I think a bowling alley/leisure destination would work well there though, maybe an ice rink with a bowling alley?

It doesn't really have "floors" for floorspaces, it's quite an odd configuration of weird pathways inside a shell of a building.

The Dudley Port, Tipton

Becoming a church rather than a pub.

http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/20733205.jpg
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/04/20/plans-backed-for-ex-pub-to-be-church/

Planning approved pending a change to the car park layout.

The Lane Arms, Bentley

Being demolished.

http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/20712439.jpg
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/04/20/joy-as-eyesore-pub-to-be-knocked-down/

No plans for a replacement although there were talks of a 150 seater restaurant at one point.

Leathern Bottle, Bloxwich

Being demolished and replaced with shops.

http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Leathern-Bottle.jpg
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/04/17/leathern-bottle-pub-in-bloxwich-to-become-shops-site/

Stourbridge

150 houses to be built.

The land in High Street, Wollaston, neighbours both the River Stour and Stourbridge Canal and, after two major floods in recent years, locals fear the development will make matters worse.

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/04/16/housing-set-for-go-ahead-at-stourbridge-estate/

Stourbridge Interchange opens

Sorry, not sure if Stourbridge is Black Country; it's a part of Dudley.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/59775000/jpg/_59775565_p1010273.jpg
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-17789790

Cost: £7 million

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/resources/images/1555411/?type=display
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/8824732.Builders_reduce_Stourbridge_bus_station_to_rubble/

Does anyone know what the interchange with the parry people mover is like, or is that just the same old station?

Lovely. Another station where you have to dodge bus drivers thinking they are Lewis Hamilton so you can get to the stop.

I've gotta say, I was extremely unimpressed by the Public.

We went to see the Top of the Pops exhibition (if you can call it that). The whole building is full of weird walkways showcasing broken electronic devices that don't appear to have even done much when they actually worked.
I applied for a job there to fix and maintain the installations. Didn't get it.

I also applied for an AV job, again I didn't get it. Had the pleasure of working with the person that did, I question how they got the job as they were clueless.

Their failure.

this is "The Rising Sun " pub , 7 Barton Street, west bromwhich ,
off bromford lane has it stood in december 2011 .








http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3368/71926650.jpg


http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/4013/17190200.jpg



http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/4360/86552754.jpg






http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/4889/43675940q.jpg









and this is the " Riseing Sun "finally setting at 7 barton street today .

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5635/60761843.jpg



http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/5054/17398332.jpg



http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1222/29364580.jpg





http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6475/31950515.jpg

Update of Tipton Swimming Pool from Sandwells website
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2766/2766_728x546.jpg

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2768/2768_728x546.jpg

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/multimedia/2767/2767_728x546.jpg