A major regeneration scheme has taken a step forward after a council completed the demolition of part of a former iconic town centre store.
Tamworth Borough Council has demolished the 1960s part of the former Co-op site in the town and handed it over to South Staffordshire College to begin work on a new facility for Tamworth College, which is being relocated.
College contractors are now preparing to begin building on the site, which delivers a combined investment of over £40 million in the town centre.
The older mid-19th century section of the building is set to become an enterprise centre.
Claire Boliver, Chief Executive Principal for South Staffordshire College, said: “We are looking forward to developing our new facility in the town centre. Lots of work has been happening behind the scenes to finalise the inside of the building and prepare our teaching spaces ready for us to deliver courses such as health and social care, early years, engineering, electrical, catering, digital, construction and many more upon opening.”
Plans are to start teaching at the new site from January 2025.
Claire added: “We hope our new town centre location will make us more accessible whilst also supporting Tamworth Borough Council’s town centre regeneration plans.”
The new college investment is additional to £21million Future High Streets Fund projects that Tamworth Borough Council are delivering, which seeks to transform the town centre into the busy, thriving heart of the community.
Other projects include:
· Middle Entry renovations which will see some vacant units demolished to be replaced by a new flexible, multi-use building for independent small businesses.
· Restoration and refurbishment of the late 18th century former Peel Café, bringing a historic building back into use in a way that enhances its original Georgian features.
· Restoration and refurbishment of the historic vacant properties on Market Street and creating a wider footbridge into the castle grounds.
· Public realm works to link all the projects together.
Councillor Paul Turner, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a huge step forward with the Future High Streets project work.
“We are delighted to now complete the demolition of the former 1960s part of the Co-op and look forward to seeing South Staffordshire College build their new facility.”
