Planning permission granted for castle gateway project in Tamworth

Tamworth Borough Council’s ambitious regeneration project continues with planning permission granted for work to improve the walkway between the castle grounds and town centre.

Approval has been granted to demolish the former Nationwide Building Society building, built in the 1970s, and create a wider bridge to the castle grounds with public realm improvements to create a wider more welcoming space.

Removing the old building society will allow for better appreciation of the grade I listed Tamworth Castle and its grounds, the Town Hall and St Editha’s Church.

At times the existing bridge will be closed, and temporary walking diversion signs will be clearly signposted around the town. The new planned bridge will be wider and allow easy access between the town centre and the Castle Grounds, using the same route as before with the existing pad stone foundations.

The heritage and conservation officer has been consulted throughout and considered the impact of the proposal on the significance of heritage assets. The improvements allow for better appreciation of the historic castle and grounds, and by widening this space and the bridge, it increases accessibility and provides a high-quality landscaping and planting area.

Throughout all the work, though there will be disruption, Tamworth town centre and market remain ready to welcome visitors for shopping, socialising and leisure.

Tamworth Borough Council’s ambitious £21million regeneration plan to transform the town centre into the busy, thriving heart of the community will deliver:

• A new Enterprise Centre in the original 19th Century former Co-operative building on Colehill.
• Remedial works to preserve historic vacant properties on Market Street (opposite Peel Café) with a wider footbridge into the castle grounds
• Redevelopment replicating the original Georgian style of the former Peel Café, bringing a building back into active use. (Now complete, with Nationwide Building Society expected to move in soon).
• Middle Entry renovations which will see some vacant units demolished to be replaced by a new flexible, multi-use building, for independent small businesses.
• Public realm works that will link all the projects together.

Additionally, South Staffordshire College is also building a new college facility replacing the demolished 1960s part of the Co-op building. Together both projects deliver a combined investment of over £40million in Tamworth town centre.

Councillor Carol Dean, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “It’s good to see the work for the finished design of the castle gateway has been approved, and our ambitious plans for this area will start taking shape.

“This work has been agreed in full consultation with Historic England, Tamworth Borough Council’s conservation officer and the Staffordshire County Council Historic Environment Team.

“Construction of the works will require Market Street to be used for deliveries which will be managed effectively, with a compound temporarily set up in the castle grounds to help facilitate.

“The new gateway will enhance the significance of both the existing grade II listed buildings on Market Street, our grade 1 listed castle, and the existing character and appearance of the conservation area.

“This work is part of our Future High Street Fund project. Our ambition for the town centre is substantial, yes it does mean further disruption in the short term as we transform the town centre into a vibrant, thriving place that meets the needs of residents, visitors and local businesses.

“Throughout all work, the town and market will be very much active, and I’d urge everyone to continue to support our local businesses and shop, socialise and visit the town centre.”

Work is planned to start January 2025.