Councillors in Dudley are calling for swift measures to raise the profile of Halesowen’s heritage attractions and attract more visitors to the area.
Cllr Parmjit Sahota, representing the Halesowen North ward, has invited senior council officers to collaborate on initiatives aimed at kickstarting regeneration and promoting tourism in the town.
Local representatives have expressed concern that Halesowen has been overlooked, especially when compared to other parts of the borough that receive prominent promotion for their attractions.
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Cllr Sahota commented: “For far too long, Dudley Council has focused its economic regeneration and tourism efforts elsewhere in the borough. However, Halesowen boasts one of the three high-quality employment zones featuring leading manufacturing and engineering firms. The town centre benefits from a flourishing Business Improvement District, and Halesowen in Bloom has earned numerous national and international awards.”
Utilising his position as chair of the council’s Communities and Growth Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Sahota is advocating for the Leasowes Green Gateway Project, an initiative designed to stimulate development and enhance the area’s appeal.
A priority for the project is to secure funding for a new visitor centre at The Leasowes.
He added: “I have agreed with senior council officers on the urgent need to advance the Leasowes Green Gateway Project. I have requested that a comprehensive report outlining a clear plan to take this key project forward be presented by the end of 2026.”
Cllr Hilary Bills highlighted the richness of Halesowen’s heritage and leisure offerings, saying: “Our town is fortunate to have The Leasowes, an English Heritage-listed garden; the Halesowen Abbey Trust, which works to protect the local countryside and the Leasowes Walled Garden; the Coombeswood Canal Trust at Hawne Basin; Halesowen Golf Club; and the Coombeswood Green Wedge.”
Cllr Sahota also emphasised the need for better signage to inform travellers, particularly along the key route from junction three of the M5 motorway.
He stated: “During a site visit with senior directors, it was disappointing to see tourist signs directing visitors to the safari park and steam train in Kidderminster, yet no brown and white signs highlighting Halesowen and Stourbridge’s heritage and leisure attractions.
“Equally concerning is the absence of our heritage sites in the Discover Dudley tourist brochure.”
The councillors are united in their determination to address these issues, ensuring that Halesowen’s cultural and economic potential is recognised and maximised.