£82m plan will see huge town centre revolution

NEW images show what could become of Dudley town centre in a development which would create more than 500 new jobs.

An artist’s impression of the proposed £82 million Portersfield development shows open-plan walkways linking bars and shops through the town.

Plans for the town’s revamp have been submitted to the council by developer Avenbury and will go before a planning committee later this year. Key to this development is the long-awaited demolition of eyesore Cavendish House – which Dudley Council said could be bulldozed as early as this autumn if plans go ahead.

If approved, the area will include new shops, a cinema, bars and restaurants, and accommodation for students – creating more than 500 jobs.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “This is a significant step towards creating a bustling town centre environment with shops, bars and restaurants. It still has to go through the normal planning procedure but if approved this will be the biggest development in Dudley in decades. This really feels like an exciting chapter for our history books, in the heart of the historic capital of the Black Country.”

A spokesperson for Avenbury added: “This is an extremely exciting project that will be a game changer for Dudley. Dudley is finally getting the investment and recognition it deserves and we’re proud to be playing a part in shaping its future.”