Environmental and Public Realm Improvements
The Forum has maintained a strong focus on improving the town’s environment and public spaces.
Brierley Hill in Bloom once again delivered high-quality planting schemes across the High Street and town centre, attracting positive public feedback. Despite challenges such as vandalism and plant disease, the programme has continued to improve year on year, supported by volunteers and external funding.
Additional initiatives, including wildflower planting and local greening projects, have further contributed to enhancing biodiversity and the quality of the local environment.
Regeneration and Strategic Influence
A key development during the year has been the Forum’s growing role in regeneration and strategic advocacy.
We have been actively engaged in discussions relating to the future of the town, including proposals linked to the Levelling Up / Local Regeneration Fund, the future of the former Police Station, and improvements to the Moor Centre and wider town centre.
The Forum has also played a consistent role in advocating for the extension of the Metro to Brierley Hill and has contributed to consultations on the Dudley Local Plan, ensuring that the interests of the town are represented.
These activities demonstrate the Forum’s increasing influence as a recognised voice for Brierley Hill in discussions with local, regional and national stakeholders.
Funding and Resources
The Forum has continued to secure and manage a significant level of external funding, enabling the delivery of an ambitious programme of activity.
During the year, we have successfully secured funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and other sources, supporting initiatives such as Community Loom, Digital Cornerstone and Empowering Brierley Hill. These programmes have allowed us to extend our work into business support, skills development and town centre promotion.
The Marsh Park project provides a clear example of how this funding is translated into tangible outcomes—leveraging relatively modest resources into high-impact, multi-partner delivery with lasting community benefit.
Business Engagement and Communications
This year has also seen progress in supporting the local business community.
Through the Business Sub-Group and related initiatives, work has begun on developing a stronger digital presence for the town, including branding, a business database and training opportunities for local traders.
The Community Newsletter has become an important communication tool, with a growing circulation and increasing engagement. Alongside social media and targeted outreach—such as that used successfully in the Marsh Park project—this has strengthened the Forum’s ability to communicate with residents, businesses and partners.
Governance and Organisation
The Forum has continued to strengthen its governance and organisational capacity.