WP3966 - Bloxwich Launchpad - AWARD

Description

As part of the Government's £3.6 billion Towns Fund, Walsall Council was awarded 
      £47 million of which £23.5 million was allocated to Bloxwich. With an aim of 
      transforming the economic prospects of the town, a key focus is the improvement of 
      broadband connectivity, and the development of digital skills and higher value jobs. 
      
      The proposal is for the creation of an incubation space and digital access centre on 
      Bloxwich high street, supporting startups and small businesses whilst offering digital 
      connectivity and training for the community. 
      
      The building known as "Bloxwich Launchpad" will accommodate a number of spaces 
      that facilitate digital connectivity, collaboration and where the local community can 
      inspire one another. This site has been identified as having a good location in the town 
      centre, adjacent the Bloxwich library site, with good accessibility via public transport. 
      The site has a high footfall due to the proximity to the market square, which runs on 
      Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. 
      
      The project includes an overall renovation, involving both general refurbishment and 
      alterations to the existing two-storey space. This comprises demolishing existing internal 
      partitions and constructing new. 
      
      As part of the building's redevelopment, works also entail constructing a new two-storey 
      extension, extending the first floor to the frontage, installing a new passenger lift, PVs and 
      plant to the roof. 
      
      Bloxwich Launchpad will bring together a range of services from different organisations, 
      including skills workshops, social groups, employment, and health. 
      
      The facility will offer training and learning space, meeting rooms and small conference 
      facilities. The hub will also be digitally enabled to provide residents with support in the use of 
      technology, offering advice and guidance on digital devices, and delivering practical skills for 
      using common applications and e-commerce applications, through small group classes and 
      learning journeys, provided by local training providers and voluntary sector partners. 
      Partners will utilise facilities for engagement activity/clinics and event activities. Incubation 
      space will be provided for small start-up activity including business support. The venue will 
      also provide a space in which to promote and support volunteering opportunities.
      
      Additional works - Bloxwich Theatre 
      
      The option to convert the current theatre space adjacent to the Bloxwich Library into a 
      Creative Industry 'Make a Space' centre is currently being pursued by the Council. 
      Outline designs and provisional costs have been drawn up and a bid for around £750k
      has been submitted for External Funding. 
      
      Due to the uncertain and unsecured funding position at this time, the contract for the 
      Bloxwich Launchpad will be awarded initially. 
      
      However, subject to securing the subsequent fun...