The West Bromwich Town Deal Board met to discuss project updates, monitor claims, and review social value initiatives related to the West Bromwich Town Deal. The board reviewed project progress, expenditure, and risks, and approved the submission of monitoring and financial information to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). An update on social value was also provided.

Project Progress and Monitoring

The board received an update on project progress and monitoring information for April to June 2025. The report highlighted a minor slippage of -0.29% compared to the forecast reported to the government in May 2025. The Retail Diversification Project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, which will enable the full drawdown of remaining funds.

A traffic light system was used to summarise project progress:

• Digital Den: Financial drawdown is complete, but future outputs are at risk due to building health and safety issues. Nick Bayliss from Greets Green Enterprise Centre is the Project Lead.
• Central St Michaels Sandwell Science, Engineering & Manufacturing Centre: Financial drawdown is complete, and the project continues to report outputs and outcomes.
• Town Hall Quarter: Financial drawdown is complete, and the project is now reporting on outcomes related to the usage of the Town Hall and Library. The project team are seeking further funding opportunities to invest in the main entrance and improve disability access for the building.
• Retail Diversification Project: The new indoor market is progressing well, with a target practical completion date in July 2025 and an anticipated opening in August 2025. The demolition of the former Wilko site is expected to be completed in August 2025, and the demolition of King Square Cinema has been scheduled.
• Urban Greening: Financial drawdown for capital works is complete. The Cultural Programme led by Multistory will continue to deliver events and community workshops. The project lead is reviewing planting to achieve the outstanding outputs.
• West Bromwich Connected: Phase 3 (Bull Street and High Street Junction) is complete. Phase 4 (Spon Lane) is awaiting a start date due to pending gas works in Winter 2025. Phase 5 (Hilltop to Walsall Canal) design is scheduled to commence on site in August 2025. The project has utilised all Towns Fund monies and now relies on match funding for remaining delivery.

Social Value

The board received an update on social value initiatives. The previous meeting's minutes¹ record that the social value officer advised that the contractor for the Indoor Market had employed 2 safeguarded apprentices, was undertaking activities with a local school, and had donated to the Young Carers Team. The contractor has a total 72% local spend to date. The contractors on the demolition works have donated to the Christmas toy appeal and Easter appeal and continue to work with local schools.

Terms of Reference

The board accepted updated Terms of Reference. The Public Minutes 13052025 record that the Terms of Reference were reviewed following some changes to the Smethwick Partnership Board. Areas needing expanding and clarifying included the responsibilities of the accountable body, the operation of sub-groups and appointing to Board vacancies. The terms of reference have been updated across all three town boards (Smethwick, Rowley Regis and West Bromwich) to ensure they are all up to date and align with each other.

West Bromwich Connected

The project lead provided an update on West Bromwich Connected.

• West Bromwich High Street: Construction is close to completion but over budget due to material cost inflation and unforeseen site issues. A contingency fund from another funding source will support remaining delivery.
• Harvill Hawthorne: Preliminary designs are complete, and detailed design will progress, followed by consultation.
• Spon Lane: Public consultation has concluded, and works are still on programme to complete by March 2026, despite delays due to utility works.

Urban Greening

The project lead presented an update on Urban Greening, confirming a 3-year maintenance programme with Sandwell's Ground Maintenance team. The team will visit the town centre to assess planting requirements. The project lead is also reviewing jet washing for Princess Parade Area.

The project lead shared an update on the Pocket Park, where Multistory, a local artist, and Sandwell College delivered a programme of activities to SEN² students, who worked on a small area of the park to learn how to garden. A celebration event will be held in June.

Retail Diversification Programme

The project lead shared updates on the Retail Diversification Programme:

• Former Wilko demolition: Demolition commenced in January and is scheduled for completion in June 2025, with delays due to asbestos and hidden structures. The area will become a public realm space connecting High Street to King Square Cinema.
• King Square Cinema: Pre-demolition surveys are complete, with demolition scheduled to commence in July and complete in December.
• Indoor Market: The construction programme is on track, with roof work, staircase installation, and partial completion of internal walls. All existing market stall holders have been offered a stall in the new indoor market, and 14 applications were received for stalls in the food and beverage court.

Digital Den

The project lead shared an update on the Digital Den, which delivers ESOL³ classes to an average of 30 learners per day. However, the building's roof is in poor condition, and repairs are unaffordable for the charity. A board member suggested seeking support from the Sandwell Council Voluntary Organisation (SCVO).

Procurement

A breakdown of procurement across the projects was shared. A board member raised concerns about the low percentage of local spend in Sandwell and suggested increasing it for future regeneration. They queried how the information is extracted and whether further information for the supply chain could be obtained. The PMO confirmed that the information is based on procurement activities and does not break down into the supply chain. A new platform is being created to capture more detailed information from contractors to support data collation for local spend in supply chains.