The West Midlands Interchange (WMI) team met with members of the local community in the summer. Our quarterly Community Liaison Group (CLG) continues to play a pivotal part in how we share information and updates on the project.

Attended by leads within the community and local councillors, local feedback continues to shape the project. Including the car park location being moved within the community parks to the Gravelly farm end of the lane, helping to prevent anti-social behaviour near properties.

A wide range of updates were provided, including progress on construction, upcoming works, updates on the community park design, and how the project is giving back into the local community. Including volunteering, educational sessions, on site opportunities and more.

Construction and roadworks

Infrastructure Works Package 1 started in July 2023 and targeted 62 weeks of work. This is now nearing completion within the next couple of months. More recently, property demolition to Vicarage Road and Straight Mile has been completed.

Several planning applications have been approved, with others pending approval. The project team is actively engaging with the community, addressing concerns and seeking feedback. Community parks are being developed in partnership with Wildwood UK, and the WMI Community Fund continues to support local initiatives.

Please be sure to follow our Facebook page West Midlands Interchange – WMI to stay up to date on the latest news.

Planning and community engagement

Several planning applications have been approved, with others pending approval. The project team is actively engaging with the community, addressing concerns and seeking feedback. Community parks are being developed in partnership with Wildwood UK, and the WMI Community Fund continues to support local initiatives.

Giving back to the community

Committed to making a long lasting and positive impact in the local area, we have so far delivered:

• 162 weeks of apprenticeships for local young people.
• 19 weeks of training opportunities.
• 14 weeks of work experience.
• The full time equivalent of nine local jobs.
• 250 hours of volunteering in the community.

Since the last CLG in February, we have welcomed three local T-level placement students and provided three weeks of on-site work experience for two local students. We have been engaging with local education providers to host an Employment and Skills Partnership meeting, as well as supporting local careers fairs, insight days and mock interviews.

The WMI community fund, launched in February 2024 continues to welcome applications. So far, we have seen many successful applications support local community groups, including Penkridge Runners.

To find out if you meet the criteria and want to apply, please click here.