A huge £20million Government investment that has been allocated for a new transport gateway in Sutton can kickstart the masterplan to revive the town centre, say local leaders.
Almost £1.3billion is going to be spent on transport in the West Midlands over the next five years, and this week the region’s Mayor Andy Street said that £20million had been allocated to reshape Sutton town centre.
Sutton MP Andrew Mitchell welcomed the news, describing it as a ‘clear commitment to the future of the town centre.’
Mr Mitchell added the money would not only redraw the town centre’s transport connections, but it would also provide a significant boost for the entire area.
He said: “I have been working on this with Mayor Andy Street for a long time, doing everything we can to get the money needed to make this plan happen.
“Transport is going to be a vital part of a reimagined Sutton Town Centre, but this money will also underpin the wider ambitions of the masterplan.
“It represents a clear commitment to the future of the town centre, boosting confidence for traders and providing a suitable, welcoming gateway for visitors to the town.”
Mr Street, who leads the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “It is great news that the money has been allocated for Sutton’s new transport gateway, with work now pressing ahead on the business case for the project.
“The town centre is of huge importance to Sutton Coldfield residents, and the Town Council has put together a brilliant masterplan that aims to secure its future.
“The creation of this new transport gateway in the town centre, which will bring together the train station, bus services and cycling routes, is key to the success of that plan, and this allocation of significant cash can kickstart the entire process.”
Across the region, the £1.3billion grant will also be used to transform road, bus, rail, tram, cycling and walking infrastructure.
This will include a network of 10 electric vehicle charging stations across the West Midlands and major investment in Metro and Sprint bus routes.
Councillor Simon Ward, leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “The allocation of this money for the Royal Town is about much more than just transport – it is a catalyst that will drive the regeneration of the town centre, which residents have been saying they want to see for so long.
“The masterplan envisions our town centre as a different town centre, with more leisure and residential in the mix – and this money will start the whole process.”