The RICS Community Benefit Award recognises projects that directly enhance their local area, demonstrating outstanding facilities, strong community feedback and embedding diversity and inclusion throughout their development.
Bloxwich Launchpad, which formally opened in October 2025, is a new digital skills and business support centre in the heart of Bloxwich designed to support local people to upskill, become digitally literate, and achieve their individual goals.
“ Bloxwich Launchpad is a fantastic initiative and it’s great to see it recognised for the positive impact that it’s had already for local people. This award is a great reflection of the partnership between the council and its delivery partners to refurbish an old building and bring it back into use to benefit the community. “
Councillor Nicky Barker, Deputy Leader
Walsall Council
Since opening, Launchpad has supported people with their digital skills through structured courses as well as individual support and guidance. Working with a range of partner organisations, Bloxwich Launchpad is able to offer a variety of services and courses to suit local needs. The centre also supports businesses and entrepreneurs and offers state of the art facilities for a range of business types.
“ This is well-deserved recognition for Bloxwich Launchpad which has given the former post office 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, in partnership with Walsall Council, Speller Metcalfe and the wider design team, 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. 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 “
Jane McPhillips, Project Manager
AtkinsRealis
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.