Advantage West Midlands (AWM) launched its search for development partners for two of its major Black Country schemes, the £200m i54 and £175m Bilston Urban Village, committing over £80m of its own funds to support these projects. 

Meanwhile the government gave its public seal of approval at the show to the 15 year Black Country regeneration strategy prepared by the Black Country Consortium and the West Midlands Regional Assembly.  As well as recognising the importance of Wolverhampton, West Bromwich and Walsall it also identifies Brierley Hill as a fourth centre of economic focus to add strength to the investment being made in the region.

Anyone guilty of accusing the Black Country of only managing token urban regeneration projects, as some in the media have done in the past, needs to take stock of these MIPIM announcements and the major milestone projects which are already underway in the region, including proposals that are being progressed for Interchange and Summer Row.  Observers can be left in little doubt that the Black Country is set to deliver very meaningful physical and economic regeneration over the next decade, which will enhance its competitive edge and market appeal over many towns and cities in the Midlands.