Plans to regenerate one of the largest brownfield sites in the West Midlands and build a new, 600 home community have reached a key milestone. Sandwell Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have appointed top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat as their preferred developer to construct the Friar Park Urban Village scheme in Wednesbury. The appointment follows a selection process which has been progressed since January 2024 and ending with Sandwell Council Cabinet approval at the end of July. The scheme, a joint project between the council and WMCA, will see around 600 homes built on the huge site, approximately…

A new pathway, additional seating and revamped community noticeboards are currently being installed at a Wednesfield park to offer improvements for local residents. New exercise markers are also being put in place for walkers and runners at Ashmore Park in Griffiths Drive, following a consultation with local people. City of Wolverhampton Council and developers Haystoun Construction Limited have started the works this week. Improvements include the installation of a new hard surface path around the park’s lower football field. This will make it easier to walk around the whole of the site, particularly when the ground conditions are wet or…

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Public Health team has unveiled a new Sexual and Reproductive Health toolkit to give professionals the knowledge and resources they need to support residents’ wellbeing. Launched to mark Sexual Health Week 2025, which is now underway, it has been developed in response to feedback from local health, social care and community workers, and aims to make conversations about sexual health easier, more accurate and culturally sensitive. It includes practical advice including real life insight covering everything from choosing the right contraception to building healthy relationships. It also shines a light on the sexual health of…

Bordesley Green, Birmingham — 5th September A powerful new chapter has begun in Bordesley Green with the official launch of Community Plaza, a centre designed to tackle inequality, reduce crime, and bring people together. The launch night drew a crowd of more than 250 local residents, families, and community leaders. The atmosphere was filled with energy and optimism as people gathered to show their support. Among the guests were the Crime Commissioner Simon Foster who also presented Mohammed Zafran 50th Golden Achievement Award on behalf of Asian World Newspaper, Alan Edwards regional manager for West Midlands Crimestoppers, who joined the…

On Tuesday 23 September 2025, from 11.45am to 12.30pm, Walsall College will host a pre-launch event. At the event, the upcoming launch of a series of podcasts will be discussed over the coming weeks. Attendees will get a sneak peek into the stories, voices, and ideas that will be shared from across the borough. “ This new podcast is a wonderful way of showcasing the pride, passion and ambition of our community. We Are Walsall 2040 is not just a vision but a movement that belongs to everyone. Through this podcast, we will continue to listen, learn and celebrate the…

Wolverhampton Business Week 2025 (22-26 September) will provide opportunities to learn how emerging technologies can support and grow the city’s businesses. University of Wolverhampton’s Professor Zeeshan Pervez is hosting a session on the use of AI to boost cyber resilience, at Wolverhampton Science Park (WV10 9RU), on Monday, between 11am and 12pm. Later that day ForUsAll Art & Media have teamed up with ArtEng and the University of Wolverhampton for an event at The Elite Centre for Manufacturing Centre, Springfield Campus (WV10 0JR), where businesses can discover how 3D printing is transforming both manufacturing and the creative arts. Taking place…

Wolverhampton is set to host a dynamic programme of events focused on skills and economic growth as part of Wolverhampton Business Week, running from 22 to 26 September. The flagship Annual Business Breakfast takes place on Friday 26 September at Molineux Stadium, bringing together city leaders, employers, and educators, to explore how skills investment is powering Wolverhampton’s future. The event will be hosted by broadcaster Amber Sandhu, with keynote speaker The Rt Hon. the Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister for Skills at Department of Education, and Minister for Women and Equalities at Department of Education, sharing national insights. Richard Parker,…

This will take place at Caldmore Community Garden, 12 Carless Street, WS1 3RH, on 25 September from 1pm to 4pm. No booking is required. Delivered as part of the Walsall Energy Action Project (WEAP), the event will feature expert advisors on hand to provide tips on saving energy at home, reducing costs, and making greener choices. There will also be opportunities to learn more about climate action and free refreshments, including samosas. The Walsall Energy Action Project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and supported by Walsall Council and local partners, is working to help residents cut their energy…

Road safety is to be improved for hundreds more children and their families in streets around Bilston Nursery School. Following consultation with the local community the latest City of Wolverhampton Council Safer Routes to School project will include a safe school zone on Wolverhampton Street along with improved signs, pedestrian refuges on the High Street in Bilston and 20mph limits on surrounding roads. It will make it safer for families to leave the car behind and walk or cycle to and from the nursery school. This will help ease congestion and parking issues at the gates, encouraging active healthier lifestyles…

The initiative aims to support creative and impactful projects that increase awareness of dementia, its symptoms, causes and associated risks. Projects should provide access to resources and support for individuals and families affected by dementia, challenge stigma and misinformation about dementia and promote inclusive and accessible events for all Walsall residents. Funding is available for up to 80% of the total project cost, up to a maximum of £1,000. “ Community groups play an important role to support residents to live healthy and well. This funding opportunity is about helping local organisations raise awareness of dementia and provide accessible support.…