Origin, the UK focused industrial and logistics platform formed by HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Feldberg Capital, has started on site with the first phase of SPARK, a £100 million scheme in Walsall. Contractor Bowmer and Kirkland have been appointed to deliver the first two units of 255,000sq ft and 18,000sq ft which will both be ready for occupation by Q4 2025. SPARK is a 44 acre regeneration project which, once complete, will deliver a total of 620,000sq ft of high spec, net zero carbon enabled space within the region’s manufacturing and logistics heartland. Just minutes from J9 and…

A planning application for City Centre West, Wolverhampton’s largest regeneration opportunity, has been approved by the local planning authority A planning application for City Centre West, Wolverhampton’s largest regeneration opportunity, has been approved by the local planning authority. ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – working in partnership with City of Wolverhampton Council, submitted proposals in Autumn 2024. This included detailed plans for the first phase, as well as on outline application for the wider masterplan. Following the decision, the new neighbourhood will be re-named Smithgate in a nod to the city’s historic…

The City of Wolverhampton Council has launched new online tools which will enable adults, or their family or carers, to self assess their care and support needs, their eligibility and any financial contribution they might need to make. It has been working with Looking Local to introduce 2 new platforms, BetterCare Support and BetterCare Finance. BetterCare Support, features over 40 easy to understand, relatable animations that lead users through the 10 areas of the Care Act, putting people in control of assessing the areas where they feel they need support. They will be pointed towards relevant local and national information…

Walsall Council and contractor Tarmac have completed works to widen the footpath on Rayboulds Bridge Road, to better connect the A34 Green Lane to the canal and nearby houses. The previous footpath was not wide enough for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Funded through Walsall Town Deal, the improvements are a small part of a wider scheme to improve sustainable transport across the borough, making it easier for people to walk and cycle. “ It’s great to see another active travel scheme completed successfully. With funding through the Town Deal we are working hard as a council to improve active travel across…

Today marks the start of Safer Sleep Week – an annual campaign raising awareness about the importance of safer sleep practices to reduce the risk of sleep related infant deaths. Safer Sleep Week is The Lullaby Trust’s national awareness campaign to share knowledge of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and simple advice that reduces the risk of it occurring. Sadly, around 4 babies a week in the UK die from SIDS, also known as cot death. In Wolverhampton, we want all parents and caregivers to be aware of safer sleep advice. This year, the week long campaign runs from Monday…

Food for Life’s Nourishing Communities Award celebrates groups and organisations who advocate for good food in Walsall based on the principles of cooking, growing, sharing skills and pledging. A new award has been introduced that will highlight the work of Walsall groups and organisations in providing accessible, good food. The Nourishing Communities Award, delivered by Food for Life and Walsall Council’s Public Health team, will celebrate organisations and groups who advocate for good food and support growing activities, teach people cooking skills and improve the local food system. It comes just over a year on from Walsall’s first ever food…

Litter busting volunteers have been thanked for their dedicated work to help keep a city beauty spot clean and tidy. Members of the Friends of Smestow Valley in partnership with the Severn Rivers Trust and other local community volunteers met on Saturday (1 March) to clear along the banks of Smestow Brook and surrounding areas of the nature reserve. Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for resident services, joined in the clean up and council officers helped litter pick and arranged to collect and remove the bags of rubbish. Also joining the event on Saturday was Tracey…

Whether it’s a childhood favourite or a recent discovery, books transport us to different worlds and broaden our perspectives. Families and children are invited to a special event at The New Art Gallery Walsall on Saturday 8 March 2025 to celebrate the day, featuring vibrant performances, stories, art, and poetry inspired by peacocks. The Mayor of Walsall will join children of St Thomas of the Canterbury Walsall for their World Book Day Assembly on Thursday 6 March 2025. “ World Book Day is a day to celebrate the joy of reading and the incredible power of books. Reading opens doors…

Wolverhampton’s young carers will be in the spotlight at the city marks Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday 12th March, 2025. Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Carer Support Team have organised an information pop up at St Regis School, Tettenhall, to highlight the important role of young carers to teaching staff, and to encourage young carers to get help and support. It is the latest in a series of events organised by the team in conjunction with Amethyst Academies and the Three Spires Trust, which has seen similar pop-ups at St Peter’s, Moreton and Aldersley schools. Councillor Jacqui…

Six new council homes have been unveiled in a West Bromwich neighbourhood to provide much-needed housing for Sandwell residents. Sandwell Council, with grant funding from Homes England, has delivered six spacious four-bedroom homes in Whitgreave Street, working in conjunction with SWG Construction. These brand-new, energy efficient semi-detached homes perfectly blend modern living with sustainable features. Every property is equipped with electric car charging facilities and solar PV panels, ensuring residents can enjoy eco-friendly living and reduced energy costs. The development includes a landscaped communal area and convenient visitor car parking, making it ideal for families and guests to visit. In…