A milestone has been reached on plans to transform Tamworth town centre with the appointment of a delivery partner.
Speller Metcalfe will now work alongside Tamworth Borough Council to bring forward the proposals for the government-funded Future High Streets project.
The next stage of the project will involve a detailed costed work programme being developed to provide:
- An enterprise centre in the original 19th Century former Co-operative building on Colehill;
- The Middle Entry renovations which will involve the walkway roof being removed and some vacant units demolished to be replaced by a flexible, multi-use building for independent small businesses;
- Restoration and refurbishment of the late 18th century former Peel Café, bringing a historic building back into use;
- Restoration and refurbishment of the historic vacant properties on Market Street and creating a wider footbridge into the castle grounds;
- Public realm works that will link all the projects together.
Tamworth was awarded £21.65m from the Future High Streets Fund to regenerate its centre.
Anna Miller, assistant director for growth and regeneration, said: "It's fantastic to have one of the very best construction companies as our delivery partner.
"Speller Metcalfe has successfully delivered many public and private projects across the region and we're very pleased to have them on board to help us deliver our ambitious programme to rejuvenate Tamworth town centre."
South Staffordshire College is also building a new facility replacing the 1960s part of the Co-operative building, which provides a combined investment of more than £40m in Tamworth town centre.
Matthew Bailey, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be able to support the council in moving their transformation plans forward, as we know what a positive impact this will have on the residents of Tamworth and visitors to the town centre.
"We will be working closely with the Tamworth community throughout the project to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum."
Work is expected to start in the coming months.