Plans to transform Tamworth town centre take step forward as Speller Metcalfe sets up shop

Tamworth Borough Council’s FHSF partner Speller Metcalfe will locate to town centre premise Significant step forward in Tamworth Borough Council’s £20m regeneration projects Work on the ground starting later this year

Tamworth Borough Council’s delivery partner in plans to transform Tamworth town centre, is locating to new office premises with a three-year lease in the town centre, as part of the work Tamworth’s regeneration plans.

Speller Metcalfe was appointed as delivery partner earlier this year to work alongside Tamworth Borough Council to deliver the ambitious plans for the government funded Future High Streets project.

The industry leading construction firm will base their local operational office at the old YMCA premises in Market Street on an initial three-year lease while they continue with the next stage of the FHSF project.

Matthew Bailey, Divisional Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “With site progression imminent we are delighted to be ‘setting up shop’ in one of the local retail units on the Market Street, which will make use of a disused space and create a real presence for the projects we will be undertaking on behalf of the council – two of them just a stone’s throw away

“We look forward to being a part of the council’s regeneration plans and helping them make their vision a reality for the community of Tamworth.”   

Tamworth was awarded £21.65 million from the Future High Streets Fund to transform the town centre into the busy, thriving heart of the community.

The project will deliver a work programme including:

• A new Enterprise Centre in the original 19^th Century former Co-operative building on Colehill.
• The Middle Entry renovations which will see some vacant units demolished to be replaced by a new flexible, multi-use building for independent small businesses.
• Restoration and refurbishment of the late 18^th century former Peel Café, bringing a historic building back into use in a way that enhances its original Georgian features.
• 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.

Following the recent demolition of the 1960s parts of the Co-operative building, South Staffordshire College is building a new college facility, which delivers a combined investment of over £40million in Tamworth town centre.

Anna Miller, Assistant Director for Growth and Regeneration said: “It’s fantastic to see the Future High Streets project work is starting to take shape in the town and great to see our delivery partner, Speller Metcalfe, is moving into our Market Street premises so they can work closely with local businesses and ourselves to deliver this project

“With part of the Co-op building now demolished, the college will begin work to build their new premises.

“The aspiring plans for our town will soon see the changes to Middle Entry and Market Street take place. Throughout all the work the town will feel very different and there will be disruption for a while, but the long-term plans will help us rejuvenate Tamworth town centre to meet the needs of a modern-day town.”