Blackheath: have your say

13th January 2023

Sandwell Council is inviting people to share their opinions on its proposals to create a central bus interchange and new public space around Blackheath Market Place.

The proposed developments would cost £4.27m and be funded via the Towns Fund, a government investment scheme which the Sandwell Ambassadors are closely connected with. You can read more about it on our Towns Fund page.

Blackheath is currently the only town in Sandwell without a bus station. The proposal is to create a central bus interchange with improved shelters, waiting areas and real-time bus information. The plans also include a new paved public space, with seating, greenery and an events area, to create a safer and more attractive focus at the heart of the town.

Sandwell Council and its partners in the project are keen to engage with Blackheath’s business community, and to respond to any questions or concerns. A public consultation is now open and will run until Monday 13 February. It will include drop-in sessions, leaflet drops, online and postal questionnaires and social media posts. There are also two in-person consultation events – on Tuesday 17 January at Blackheath Library from 10am to 3.30pm, and on Friday 20 January at Blackheath Market from 10am to 2.30pm.

Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said: “The council will carry out extensive consultation with all town centre users, businesses and other stakeholders, to ensure those affected have their voices represented. Like most projects there are clear risks, which we believe we have addressed, and have appropriate mitigation methods in place.”

He also added: “This is an exciting project for Blackheath. By restricting through-traffic, the council will prioritise the needs of those who support the town centre’s businesses, especially bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. This investment really has potential to deliver great benefits to Blackheath and contribute to its future growth and prosperity.”

For more information, and to contribute your views on the proposals, visit the consultation webpage.

You can also find out more about other development projects in the region on the Regenerating Sandwell website.