Dudley Council's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalise Borough Town Centres
A detailed new report has been unveiled, outlining the significant economic value of the retail sector across Dudley borough and presenting the council's ambitious plans to rescue and rejuvenate its town centres. The document, which is scheduled for discussion by Dudley Council's Communities and Growth Scrutiny Committee on February 9, provides a thorough analysis of the current retail landscape and proposes targeted interventions.
The Economic Impact of Retail in Dudley
According to the report, the retail industry is a cornerstone of Dudley's economy, supporting approximately 21,000 jobs. This figure represents a substantial 19.9 percent of total employment within the borough. In terms of financial contribution, retail generates £794 million in economic activity, measured as gross value added (GVA), which accounts for 12 percent of Dudley's overall GVA.
The broader economic context shows that Dudley's total GVA experienced growth, increasing from £5.9 billion in 2022 to nearly £6.2 billion in 2023. This represents a rise of 4.9 percent, although it is noted that this growth rate is below the national average of 9.1 percent for the same period, highlighting the need for focused regeneration efforts.
Addressing Disparities and Vacancy Rates
The report, authored by Anne Boyd, Dudley's Director for Economy and Infrastructure, identifies distinct variations in the health of different town centres across the borough. It concludes that Halesowen and Stourbridge possess more resilient town centres with stronger retail performance. In contrast, Dudley town centre itself faces significant challenges, including higher shop vacancy rates, and requires targeted regeneration to attract increased footfall and stimulate economic activity.
Ms Boyd emphasised the council's strategic approach, stating: "Across the borough, the council has set out regeneration intentions through town centre action planning and wider town centre regeneration programmes, including public realm improvement and mixed-use development. This reflects a strategic approach to retaining viable centres while adapting to long-term retail shifts and changing visitor patterns."
Key Retail Centres and Community Consultation
The analysis identifies Brierley Hill, which includes the prominent Merry Hill Centre, as Dudley's principal retail hub. Beyond the three major town centres of Dudley, Halesowen, and Stourbridge, the borough also benefits from distinct local centres in Kingswinford, Lye, and Sedgley. These smaller centres are described as providing 'locally-focused day-to-day shopping and services' for their communities.
Central to the council's strategy is its 'place-based' approach, which involves a range of processes for consulting with local communities and businesses. This ensures that regeneration plans are tailored to the specific needs and character of each area, fostering greater local ownership and support for the initiatives.
Government Funding and National Initiatives
In a significant boost to these local efforts, Dudley is set to receive £20 million from the government as part of its Plan for Neighbourhoods scheme, which was launched in June 2025. Furthermore, the borough may also qualify for support under the Labour government's new Pride in Place initiative.
This national programme aims to allocate £20 million each to 40 neighbourhoods across the country. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, upon launching the initiative, highlighted the widespread challenges facing communities: "It is the same story in towns across the country. Youth clubs that have been abandoned, shops boarded up and high streets decimated. We must reverse the devastating decline in our communities and give power, agency and control to the very people who want to improve their community – those who have skin in the game."
The forthcoming council debate will be a critical step in determining how these funds and strategies are implemented to secure a sustainable future for Dudley's retail centres and the broader local economy.
