Canopy in St Editha’s square to be removed

30 September 2022

• The canopy in St Editha’s square will be removed later this month 
• Making way for public realm improvements as part of Future High Street development 
• Work expected to be complete by November 7

As Tamworth Borough Council begin work on progressing its plans for the town centre Future High Streets project, work to remove the canopy in St Editha’s square will start on October 31.

The canopy that was originally installed almost 15 years ago, will now be removed to make way for the new landscaping and public realm improvements that will be created following the new college build on the old 1960s Co-op site.

Contractors Armac, have now started on site and have been commissioned to demolish the department store, carry out the strip out of the Victorian building and remove the canopy.

Key to the Future High Streets project is the relocation of a brand-new Tamworth College into the heart of the town centre. South Staffordshire College is leading this part of the town centre redevelopment which will see the new college built on the old 1960s part Co-op site. South Staffordshire College aim to open the new facility from September 2024.

Once all work on the new college building is complete, Tamworth Borough Council will carry out a full re-landscaping of St Editha’s square which will include new seating and a public realm meeting space that will support enhanced activity.

Options to relocate the canopy have been explored, but due to its age is not possible. Locals are to be reassured that the anker monument will stay as an integral part of our town’s history.

Councillor Jeremy Oates, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “It’s a positive move to see our plans progressing. The demolition of the 1960s Co-op building begins this month, ready for the new and modern college to be built, and the canopy outside the indoor market will be removed from October 31.

“We aim to minimise disruption to town centre businesses the best we can, and the canopy removal work is planned to be completed by November 7.

“The canopy has served as a sheltered area for the outdoor market stalls and customers for nearly two decades, but due to its age, the structure will need to be removed carefully and the area made safe, to allow the new public realm work to take place after the new college building work is completed.

“The regeneration of Tamworth town centre is a key priority and we all need to pull together to fight for its future.”