A major £1.1 million regeneration and safety scheme which has revitalised the Carters Green area in West Bromwich has been shortlisted for a prestigious Planning Excellence award.
The modernisation and improvement programme – which saw new paving, seating, and street lighting along with more trees and the creation of a new public space – has been recognised in the Royal Town Planning Institute’s West Midlands Regional Awards.
Other elements of the upgrade for the area included enhanced on-street parking, better and safer crossing points for pedestrians, and realigning the road to slow down vehicles but also improve the flow of traffic.
Buses can also now move more freely following the removal of a bus lane. Previously, buses had to exit the main highway to access bus stops located on the bus lane, then queue to re-join the traffic.
Councillor Jackie Taylor, Sandwell’s cabinet member for sustainable transport, said:“It’s great news that the Carters Green improvement scheme has been shortlisted for such a prestigious Planning Excellence award by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
“Our planning and highways teams working with residents and businesses have created an area which has a feeling of space and is a lighter and more inviting environment.
“Our aim was to encourage more people to visit Carters Green, bringing about a positive impact for local shops and businesses and improving the area for residents.
“An important part of the improvement design was to prioritise pedestrians over car users by realigning the road and reducing the use of the area as a by-pass, improving the air quality and the environment for pedestrians, cyclist and public transport users.
“Around 30 new trees have also been planted to help with carbon off-setting and pollution control.
“Sadly, coronavirus has impacted on all our lives for most of the months of this year but hopefully looking forward to a more ‘normal’ time, people will be able to enjoy the area.”
The seven-month long scheme, was completed in December 2019.
The Royal Town Planning Institute West Midlands Awards ceremony will be broadcast on the RTPI YouTube channel – next Tuesday, 17 November at 4pm.
