00:00Starbridge Town Centre could be set for a major transformation with Dudley Council
00:05preparing to unlock the first £3 million of funding. That money has been set aside by the
00:12West Midlands Combined Authority and would pay for the first stage of a wider £10 million
00:18improvement programme. Councillors are due to consider the completed plans before they are
00:24submitted for final approval. The proposals follow a public consultation carried out in 2024.
00:32The first phase would focus on Lower High Street and Bradley Road, an area the council calls the
00:38Northern Gateway. Plans for a new cycle route and improvements to the subway leading into the town
00:44centre. Changes are also proposed at the Southern Gateway around Upper High Street. Roads and
00:50pavements would be upgraded to improve pedestrian access and create a clearer sense of arrival.
00:56Rhymarket Square, Foster Street and Market Square are also earmarked for future work. That could
01:02include more planting and the modernisation of older public spaces. The council says the plans are
01:09designed to make Starbridge safer, greener and easier to move around on foot or on bicycle.
01:16If approved the funding would mark the beginning of a much larger regeneration programme across the town centre
01:23with work beginning once all necessary approvals are secured.
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