West Midlands projects get £118m of levelling-up cash

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove was in the West Midlands to highlight the projects receiving funding

Projects in the West Midlands region have been awarded about £118m in the third round of levelling up funding.

It includes nearly £20m for developing the area near Stafford station and £40m for projects boosting education and transport in the Dudley area.

Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said it was a "pivotal moment" for the futures of Halesowen and Brierley Hill town centres.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove was in the region to highlight the plans.

The projects are among 55 nationally to get a share of £1bn government funding.

'Exciting times'

Speaking in Stafford, Mr Gove said the money for the town's Station Gateway project would make the site of a former factory into an area with "900 new attractive homes" and new businesses.

"Because we want to make sure that Stafford is the sort of place that people want to live and work in and that the success of the past carries on into the future," he said.

The project will also modernise the station and see a hotel and a car park built nearby.

Aidan Godfrey, Stafford Borough Council leader, said it complemented other work in the town, such as the recent regeneration of the market square.

"It's really exciting times in Stafford," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Harley said the funding would allow it to push ahead with its regeneration plans for Halesowen and Brierley Hill.

School and homes

It will work with Halesowen College to create a new college building in the town centre for vocational training programmes and adult education courses.

The council also aims to improve cycling provision and pedestrian access in the town.

In Brierley Hill, the authority will progress plans to work with Dudley College to create a new transport technologies centre and improve transport links.

The funding also includes about £18m for a project to build a new primary school and some 150 homes to Sandwell, while projects in Wolverhampton and Birmingham will also receive funding.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [e-mail]