Bosses at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have pledged £2-milion pounds of financial support to help Witton Lodge Community Association transform the former Erdington Swimming Baths site on Mason Road into a regeneration hub for social entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Planning approval has now been granted by Birmingham City Council who have submitted a revised Levelling Up fund application to Central Government for regenerating Erdington High Street. It is hoped the proposed new state-of-the-art facility will be the catalyst for economic growth and investment in the constituency.

The WMCA has now revealed that funds secured as part of its nationally acclaimed 2018 brownfield and housing delivery programme, have been earmarked for the scheme.

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer at Witton Lodge, said: “I’m delighted that we have achieved these important milestones in the creation of this exciting new hub. A first for North Birmingham, it will create jobs, promote enterprise and entrepreneurship, and offer relocation opportunities for existing businesses. Combined with other local facilities in the area we will create a Learning and Enterprise Quarter that will act as a catalyst for the wider transformation of Erdington Town Centre.”

The ambitious project is the latest in a series of WMCA housing and land investments using Government funds to provide new homes, jobs and commercial spaces on urban, brownfield sites, helping to support the region’s economic recovery from Covid-19 and to unlock private investment while reducing pressure on the green belt.

Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said: “Transforming this site into a thriving enterprise hub will breathe new life into the heart of Erdington.

“It will create opportunity with brand new jobs that will regenerate the local community. It will also give local entrepreneurs and SME’s the chance to develop and grow, fuelling the reach and impact of social enterprise in the city.

“This is an example of how, across the West Midlands, the Combined Authority is committed to working in partnership with public, private and third sector organisations to unlock the potential of neglected buildings and locations to restore pride and aspiration.”