Smethwick has reached a major milestone with the submission of its plans for regeneration and investment as part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme.
In March 2025, the government announced Smethwick is set to benefit from up to £20million over the next decade through the Plan for Neighbourhoods Programme.
The Smethwick Partnership Board, which oversees the programme, working closely with Sandwell Council, has led extensive engagement with residents, businesses and community groups throughout July and August 2025 to understand local priorities.
The top five priority areas identified through engagement are:
Regeneration, high streets and heritage
Community cohesion
Health and wellbeing
Safety and security
Education and opportunity
The identified top five priorities will help guide investment, but they do not limit the types of projects that can come forward. Proposals aligned with any of the programmes eight investment themes can still be submitted.
The engagement findings can be viewed on our website.
This feedback has shaped the newly submitted 10-Year Regeneration Plan, which outlines Smethwick’s long-term ambitions, key priority areas and the principles that will guide future investment.
A summary plan and quick guide are also available to provide residents with an accessible overview of the more detailed government submission.
The plans can be viewed on our website.
A 4-Year Investment Plan was also submitted, setting out how the board proposes to allocate and manage funding in the early years of the programme. At this stage, no specific projects have been identified, and opportunities to bid for funding are expected to open in 2026.
Alan Taylor, Chair of the Smethwick Partnership Board, said “Submitting the 10-Year Regeneration Plan and 4-Year Investment Plan to government is a major step for Smethwick. These plans reflect the voices of our communities and set out a clear vision for the town’s long-term growth and improvement.”
Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure, said “This submission marks the start of an exciting chapter for Smethwick. By focusing on regeneration that reflects the priorities of our communities, we can deliver lasting improvements and new opportunities across the town.”
The Smethwick Partnership and Sandwell Council are hoping to receive a response from the government in the early New Year, with funds expected to be released in April 2026.
For more information on the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, visit the Smethwick Partnership Board webpage.