Wednesbury Town Centre Public Realm and Urban Greening Public Consultation

Between Monday 29th January 2024 and 11th March 2024 feedback was sought from individuals, businesses and local organisations on the Wednesbury Town Centre Public Realm and Urban Greening proposals. Thank you to all respondents who took the time to provide us with feedback either through completing a survey or talking to us at the in-person events or workshops. 

The project aims to: 

1. Create safe, lively and welcoming public spaces whilst promoting active and sustainable travel via walking, wheeling and cycling. 

2. Encourage better use of public spaces with more seating and spaces to relax. 

3. Promote biodiversity and greening to contribute to the health and wellbeing of people and to help protect against a changing climate.      

A total of 147 responses were received online as well as a further 138 comments from the in-person events and workshops. One email was received with comments. Further information was circulated informing residents, businesses and organisations about the consultation, such as through: 

• Printed leaflets 

• Paper copies of the questionnaire 

• Council social media posts 

• Sandwell Consultation Hub online survey 

• Two in-person events in the town centre – Tuesday 13th and Saturday 17th February 2024 

• Four workshops with community groups  

• 67% of respondents liked or really liked the proposed changes to the tram stop arrival space compared to 9% who disliked or really disliked them. 
• 57% of respondents liked or really liked the proposed changes to Victoria Street compared to 20% who disliked or really disliked them. 
• 64% of respondents liked or really liked the proposed changes to Holyhead Road compared to 15% who liked or really disliked them. 
• 50% of respondents liked or really liked ‘Ethelfleda Square’ as the proposed name for the revitalised public space outside Wednesbury Bus Station compared to 18% who disliked or really disliked it. A number of alternative names were put forward which can be found in the Consultation Report. 
• 72% of respondents liked or really liked the proposals for ‘Ethelfleda Square’ compared to 11% who disliked or really disliked them. 
• 61% of respondents liked or really liked the proposed changes to Union Street compared to 20% who disliked or really disliked them. 

Concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour and feeling unsafe when visiting the town centre, particularly in the evenings. This was reflected in the final ranking of priorities for interventions in the town centre which identified better lighting and more CCTV as the highest priorities. This was followed by improvements to the appearance of the town centre and interventions which are aimed at changing how people use public spaces in the town, encouraging more activity and greater footfall. 

Respondents were supportive of the ambitions to introduce more greenery and places to sit, relax and socialise in the town centre but also stressed the need to find ways to improve the appearance of buildings in the town as well as the spaces between them. 

A number of respondents wished to see more events in the town centre and to ensure that public spaces are flexible enough to accommodate them.

The results of the consultation have subsequently informed the proposals in the Wednesbury Town Centre Masterplan.  

The detailed design work on the public realm improvements has incorporated suggestions from the consultation process, such as ensuring seating includes armrests.  

Further conversations have been held with businesses on Union Street to ensure that the placement of street furniture and new trees align with their preferences.  

New CCTV has been installed on Union Street and proposals have been revised ensure full visibility of the town centre. As part of the public realm improvements to Union Street, lighting lanterns are being installed that both better respect the town’s heritage and will improve the sense of safety on the street in the evening.  

New bins are to be installed to combat littering and new benches and chairs – in a variety of arrangements to encourage different interactions between users – are being introduced in the town centre’s main pedestrian spaces.