Progress on Dudley Interchange development ahead of summer fair

A former supermarket has been successfully demolished as progress continues on the development of a new bus and Metro interchange in Dudley town centre.

The large building and remaining bus shelters were stripped down and removed over the last three months meaning the site is almost completely cleared ready for construction to begin.

When complete next year the new Dudley Interchange will provide a modern, bright and easy to use gateway to the town centre for those arriving by bus or on the new Metro tramway, which is currently under construction.

Before and after images show how the site has been transformed by the removal of the former Farm Foods store.

People are also being invited to a free summer fair at neighbouring Birdcage Walk as part of an ongoing campaign to promote local shops during the redevelopment work.

There will be free family friendly activities, such as face painting and clay making, as well as a chance to see what the shops, and wider Dudley town centre, has to offer, between noon and 4pm on Saturday, 30^th August. Those signing up in advance via eventbrite can also grab a free complimentary drink.

Jo Shore, director of delivery for TfWM said: “The removal of the largest building on the former bus station site is a clear sign of progress and we can now look forward to the start of construction in the coming weeks. 

“In the meantime the summer fair offers not only a fun afternoon, but is a great opportunity for people to explore the varied local independent shops.”  

The Dudley Interchange project is being led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), in partnership with Dudley Council. Funding for the interchange was awarded to the WMCA by the Department for Transport via the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).

Cllr Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council and cabinet member responsible for economic delivery, said: “Work continues to progress on the exciting Dudley Interchange, which forms an important part of our regeneration programme for Dudley town centre.

“We welcome TFWM’s plans for a family fun event later this month and I hope people will come into Dudley to support their local town while seeing for themselves the amazing changes that are taking shape.”

It is being developed alongside the first phase of the new Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro line, currently being designed and built by the Midland Metro Alliance, and also due to open to Dudley Town Centre later next year.