Planning permission granted for St Editha’s Square enhancements

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Artist's impression of what St Editha's Square will look like - animated buildings and people on the flat surface
  • Plans include landscaping work, new paving and benches
  • Part of Tamworth Borough Council’s wider regeneration plans which mean over £21m invested in Tamworth town centre

Planning permission has been granted for several improvement works at St Editha’s Square, as part of Tamworth Borough Council’s plans to develop and regenerate Tamworth town centre.

The improvements are another project to enhance the Tamworth town centre as part of the wider Future High Street Programme. The work includes:

  • Removing the steps, to make the whole area assessable for all and replacing with decorative paving 
  • Removing existing tree, replacing with six native trees around the square 
  • New benches and bike racks
  • Replacing security bollards
  • New lights throughout the area 
  • Repaving part of College Lane

The St Editha’s Square landscaping project will provide a more high-quality and relaxing space, complimenting South Staffordshire College’s work to build a new college in the heart of the town, and will see an enhanced space created with benches and level access by removing the steps and creating an even surface throughout. 

Tamworth Borough Council’s conservation officer has also been consulted throughout the application process to make sure all work preserves St. Editha’s Church character and appearance of the conservation area. 

These projects are part of a wider programme of regeneration schemes to transform Tamworth town centre, where work continues to deliver:

  • A second Enterprise Centre in the original 19th Century former Co-operative building on Colehill. 
  • The Middle Entry renovations which will see a new flexible, multi-use building for independent small businesses.
  • Restoration of the historic vacant properties on Market Street; with work expected to start before Christmas.

Councillor Carol Dean, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “It’s a positive move to see more of our plans continue to progress, and I’m especially looking forward to seeing the new St Editha’s Square take shape and become an open space that the public can enjoy.

“There is a lot going on as part of these projects, but Tamworth town centre remains very much open for business, with St Editha’s Square and Middle Entry shops open throughout. 

“Discussions are ongoing with market traders who use St Editha’s Square to find them temporary alternatives while the work is carried out. 

“We’re keeping the public, local businesses and market operators updated with all our plans and any street or road closures. We aim to minimise disruption to town centre businesses the best we can.”

More information about the Future High Streets Fund is available online.