Regeneration Zone partnerships are currently drawing up strategies for each area and AWM has committed to concentrating the majority of its regeneration resources in these zones. Great improvements are taking place in urban areas, including town centres, in order to increase their vitality and improve the quality of life. The Bilston Urban village a joint venture between AWM and Wolverhampton City Council has produced a mixed use reclamation strategy that is about to be submitted for outline planning permission. Much has also been achieved through European Structural Funds. In Birmingham for example European Structural Funds has contributed to the renaissance of the City Centre through the funding of the International Convention Centre and the National Indoor Arena, improving the central canal network and major pedestrian friendly initiatives.
City centre living In Birmingham is now very much in demand.
Work here and on main Birmingham squares are being used as a springboard for other major regeneration initiatives in the city centre. Neighbourhood renewal, improved access promoting public transport, walking and cycling together with stronger links to nearby Birmingham city centre and a quantum leap in the quality of green spaces and community facilities also feature. It includes Smethwick, Oldbury, West Bromwich, Rowley, Wednesbury and Tipton. It is one of the Black Country boroughs with a population of 270,000. It is one of the country's main manufacturing and is a borough with over 8000 businesses.