A BID to plough more than £9 million into projects to rejuvenate Brierley Hill town centre has been formally submitted to the government

Dudley Council has put together an investment package worth £9.9million to the government’s Future High Street Fund, which if given the green light will help regenerate Brierley Hill town centre.

The town was one of 100 places across the country be shortlisted by the government for the next stage of assessment after the local authority submitted an expression of interest for funding last year.

If approved, the cash would be used to help connect the town to the new Metro stop through improving public spaces.

It would also be used to create new housing and retail opportunities to boost footfall in the town centre, along with improving traffic flow and air quality and will be used to improve Brierley Hill library.

It is hoped plans will complement the existing regeneration projects in the area including the Midland Metro extension to the town from Dudley; the creation of an enterprise zone on the Waterfront and the £2million Historic England grant to improve properties along the town’s High Street.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "Brierley Hill has a strong industrious past, developed as an area rooted in manufacturing. But the town has changed a great deal over many years. Now is the time to champion its future and create an exciting new chapter, which sees growth, an improved visitor experience and its sustainability secured long-term.

"I believe we’ve put forward a strong proposal to the government that if successful will really help get the town back on its feet and benefit local residents and shoppers.

"There’s already a lot to look forward to in and around the town centre, not least the Metro extension when that rolls into town. Any additional investment that we can secure can only boost the town’s prospects once more."