Bloxwich Launchpad, a new digital skills and business support hub in the heart of Bloxwich, Walsall, has been shortlisted in three categories of this year’s Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) regional awards.
Following its formal opening in October 2025, Bloxwich Launchpad has been shortlisted in the Community Benefit, Public Sector and Refurbishment/Revitalisation categories of the West Midlands RICS awards recognised for its positive community impact, creative reuse of an existing space and the partnership work between public and private sectors to deliver the new service.
“ I’m incredibly proud that Bloxwich Launchpad has been shortlisted in the RICS awards. It’s a testament to the excellent partnership working between the council and its private sector providers to bring the former Post Office back into use for the community. “
Jason Fisher, Centre Manager
Bloxwich Launchpad
Since opening, Launchpad has supported 193 people with their digital skills through structured courses as part of 3649 visitors over 171 working days, totalling 932 people supported across the centres provision. Bloxwich Launchpad also currently supports 192 business who access the centre’s facilities and business related interventions.
Bloxwich Launchpad is a major regeneration and urban renewal initiative delivered by Walsall Council, in partnership with AtkinsRéalis and Speller Metcalfe. The project has transformed the former Bloxwich Post Office into a purpose‑built digital skills hub and business incubation centre, repurposing a key civic asset to support digital inclusion, enterprise development and local economic growth. The scheme forms part of the wider £21.3 million Bloxwich Town Deal investment programme, focused on long‑term place‑based regeneration and opportunity creation.
Mike Richardson, Director, Building Surveying at AtkinsRéalis, said: “We are delighted to see Bloxwich Launchpad recognised by the RICS awards, having worked in partnership with Walsall Council, Speller Metcalfe and the wider design team to bring this important building back into use. The refurbishment of the former Post Office has given it a new lease of life, delivering a high-quality, flexible space that responds to the needs of the local community while respecting the character of the area.
“Through a collaborative and solutions-focused approach, the project team successfully navigated the challenges often associated with refurbishment projects, and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved in a relatively short timeframe. It is especially rewarding to see the building already thriving, supporting local people and businesses and becoming an integral part of the community.
“Bloxwich Launchpad is already demonstrating its wider impact, acting as a catalyst for ongoing regeneration within the town, and stands as a strong example of what can be delivered through partnership and a shared commitment to place-making.”