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Why it matters

The West Midlands is a diverse region of vibrant cities, historic towns, green spaces, and strong communities—each contributing to our identity as a region and future. Our collective strengths comes from their complementary roles in the regional economy, with Birmingham—the UK’s second city—an engine of inclusive growth for the whole region.

Place matters. Business hubs, infrastructure investment, housing, and cultural activity all attract people, create jobs, and boost prosperity. Each area needs a tailored approach, which is why Place-Based Strategies are essential to delivering this Growth Plan and unlocking the full potential of every part of the region.

Man in wheelchair lifting weights in the gym
Man in wheelchair lifting weights in the gym

What we want to see in ten years

Public and private investment in a series of major growth sites and corridors of opportunity.

To better connect the region’s boroughs to its cities and its cities to each other by public transport.

To meet the rising demand for (social) housing and increasing housing density around regional centres and transport hubs.

To transform the priority urban centres and high streets of the region’s cities and boroughs.

Reduced regional energy demand and lower energy costs for businesses.

Enhanced resilience to unavoidable climate change and improved access to quality green space.

Maintaining our strong positions for 5G and gigabit connectivity and building the infrastructure for next generation technologies, including AI.

What we will deliver in three years

Place-Based Strategies that are shaping local, regional and national interventions.

A WM Capital Investment Pipeline containing the region’s priority capital investment schemes.

A refreshed transport capital programme.

Further progress towards delivering a fully integrated public transport system.

The publication of a Spatial Development Strategy.

A regionally-led Affordable Homes Programme and an Affordable and Social Housing Plan.

A regional High Streets & Town Centres delivery programme.

A new, West Midlands Net Zero Five Year Plan.

A Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Climate Adaptation Programme.

The next rounds of the MoreThanWM5G and Smart City Region initiatives.

A West Midlands Digital Infrastructure Strategy.

What change will feel like for residents and businesses

Successful inclusive growth means people feeling pride and hope in the areas they live, with access to support, skills, jobs, and affordable homes near vibrant high streets, reliable public transport links, active travel facilities and key amenities. It means the West Midlands attracts investors, students, and visitors—and that young people can build their future here without needing to leave.

At its core, it’s about raising living standards across all parts of our diverse region.