Plans have been submitted to Sandwell Council for a temporary outdoor food court in West Bromwich town centre, which could bring new life to a site long considered an eyesore. The proposal seeks three-year permission to establish an outdoor venue accommodating 14 food trailers on West Bromwich High Street.
This follows the demolition of the former Princess Parade buildings in 2018, which had stood empty for several years before their removal. Since the demolition, the land has remained closed off and unused.
The submitted application outlines a space that would feature vendors offering a variety of international cuisines, supported by parking provisions for 44 cars and several motorcycles. Notably, the site is intended to function as a car park during daytime hours, with the food court predominantly operating in the evenings and at night.
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Looking beyond the temporary arrangement, the plans additionally suggest the possibility of residential flats and new retail units being developed on the site once the temporary permission expires.
A statement attached to the application clarified the vision for the temporary development, saying:
“This application is for a temporary three-year permission, after which the main application for residential and retail units will hopefully be developed. This development will ensure that the proposed retail uses integrate effectively with the surrounding context and contribute positively to the local economy.”
The statement further explains that to maximise space efficiency, the layout incorporates echelon parking to accommodate vehicle access, pedestrian movement, and space for food service. It is anticipated that most visitors will arrive during evening hours to enjoy the food outlets, while daytime use will primarily involve parking.
If approved, the food court could provide a vibrant new social and dining area for West Bromwich, transforming a previously underutilised site into a lively hub for the community.