The new public realm area is now complete, providing a new event space using high quality materials and new trees planted to create an improved and safer space for pedestrians and shoppers.
The new event space was used in the lantern procession and Christmas light switch on.
Watch the lantern precession video
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Public Realm Consultation Feedback
Download the consultation report
We asked
The consultation during November 2021 asked stakeholders and the public for feedback on:
- Creating a larger public space at Market Place
- Relocating Wednesbury Market within Market Place and Union Street
- Active travel Improvements
You Said
Analysis of the responses indicated strong support for the proposals as displayed in the below graphic:
A mixture of age groups took part in the consultation with the most prominent groups being 65 and over (28%), 55 to 64 (25%) and 45 to 54 (20%). Most respondents identified as ‘White – British’ (82%).
Further comments and suggestions received:
Consultation respondents were offered the opportunity to provide further comments or suggestions through the consultation feedback form or email. The main themes from the further comments or suggestions are described below:
Public realm
Most comments were supportive of the proposals and mentioned improving the appearance of shop fronts and buildings. Some respondents suggested provision of public toilets, benches for the elderly and families, more green infrastructure (e.g. trees, planters) and street furniture such as bins.
Markets
Comments were mixed in this theme. Comments from Market Traders were largely unsupportive of the markets moving to Market Place citing the convenience of the current location near Morrisons and the Bus Station and the footfall this generates. Comments from the general public were more supportive of the market moving back to its traditional location to improve the market offer such as farmer’s markets and attract more residents to use the markets.
Active Travel Fund*
Comments were mixed in this theme however; most respondents were supportive of the proposals. General comments were also made relating to few cyclists being seen in Wednesbury town centre. *The Active Travel Fund is a separate scheme but will benefit Wednesbury Town Centre
Highways
Parking dominated this theme predominately due to worries regarding moving disabled parking from the Clock Tower. Respondents also commented on the convenience of parking in the town centre when shopping and for the elderly. Furthermore, many respondents raised highway safety concerns particularly around speeding in the area and road safety on Spring Head and Ridding Lane.
Miscellaneous/Other
The majority of respondents in this theme requested an improved retail offer and more family activities to attract residents to the town centre during the afternoons and evenings. Many responses asked for more police and CCTV/security due to reoccurring anti-social behaviour issues.
We did
Following the public consultation responses we have taken your comments into consideration with the final designs.
Public realm
- Increased public space at Market Place
- Included more greenery i.e. trees
- Ensured street furniture is available i.e. notice boards, benches and bins
- Moved the Christmas tree back to Market Place
- We are working closely with property owners within Wednesbury Conservation Area to bring back historic features such as shop fronts and improving the appearance of their buildings
- We have asked if there would be any possibility of incorporating public toilets within the HSHAZ scheme but the main funder, Historic England, have said that providing public toilets does not fall within the scope of the funding
Markets
- Market stalls will be located at Market Place and the east of Union Street to connect both parts of the town centre
- The new market stalls will be available for cultural and community use
- Following the relocation of the Wednesbury market the Council will consider the best options for use of the vacated market site
Active Travel Fund/ Highways
- Improved crossing points for pedestrians
- Implemented new cycle infrastructure, including more cycle parking
- Reducing some parking provision on Market Place and on some adjacent roads (some provision for disabled parking has been retained) to create wider footways to encourage people to walk or cycle into the town centre or to use other under-utilised car parks on the outskirts of the town centre and encourage people to walk to Market Place from there
- Reducing the speed and amount of traffic passing through Market Place by introducing a one-way system and some traffic calming, making it a more pleasant environment for pedestrians and cyclists
Miscellaneous/Other
- The Council is aware of ASB issues in Wednesbury town centre and we will forward concerns raised during the consultation to the relevant team