Our Background

Urban Regeneration Companies (URCs) were established by local partners and backed by the Government to help achieve focused, integrated regeneration strategies for key towns and cities. They produce a powerful single vision for the future of their entire area and then manage its implementation. Originally co-ordinated by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) they are now under the umbrella of the Department of Communities and Local Government. RegenCo is one of twenty-one URCs in the country.

RegenCo was established by the ODPM on 8th April 2003. The role of the Company is to drive forward the large scale, physical and economic transformation of West Bromwich, Smethwick and Hill Top. The Company will bring transformational change, seizing opportunities along the Metro corridor to help realise the potential of the area.

RegenCo is a partnership of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, English Partnerships the National Regeneration Agency and Advantage West Midlands the regional development agency. Each of the Company's founding partners is contributing to its running costs.

RegenCo's remit is to spearhead the sustainable regeneration of the area and to engage and work in a co-ordinated manner with other agencies and partnerships to physically regenerate the area.

Working closely together, the Company will tackle complex issues including the economy, transport, property, planning and the environment. The key objectives are to increase Gross Domestic Product and job opportunities and to ensure that local communities have access to these opportunities.