Bloxwich Launchpad formally opened by Mayor of Walsall
Last week, Bloxwich Launchpad was formally opened by the Mayor of Walsall at a special celebration event, bringing together partners and stakeholders from across the borough who have been instrumental in its success.
The project has seen the transformation of a former Post Office in Bloxwich into a state-of-the-art digital skills and business incubation centre, which was designed to address a recognised need for greater digital access and support in the local community. The facility now provides training, IT equipment and business resources to residents and entrepreneurs in the Walsall market town.
Opened to the public at the beginning of September, so far over 360 people have been through the doors to receive support with digital skills and 15 businesses have taken up home in the business incubation facility upstairs.
“I am incredibly proud to formally open Bloxwich Launchpad, it is very close to my heart as a Bloxwich resident and it has been fantastic to see the transformation of the old Post Office into a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive space for our residents. The numbers speak for themselves; the centre has already offered vital support to local people and I am excited to see the excellent work continue long into the future,” said Councillor Louise Harrison, Mayor of Walsall.
The Mayor was joined by members of the project team, councillors, Town Deal board members and representatives from Bloxwich Launchpad’s network of partner organisations to cut the ribbon and formally open the centre, celebrating a successful first month.
Speaking at the celebration event, Ross Milhench, Account Director for Walsall Council and the West Midlands at Microsoft, said: “It’s a real privilege to have been invited to the opening of Bloxwich Launchpad. The centre is perfectly placed to be a gateway, not just to digital skills but to digital confidence for local people. It’s a place where residents can learn how to use AI tools safely, where jobseekers can gain the skills employers are looking for, and where small businesses can thrive in a digital economy.
“Bloxwich Launchpad is the best centre of its kind that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Microsoft is proud to stand alongside Walsall Council and its partners, helping to shape a future that’s inclusive, innovative and inspired by the people it serves.”
Walsall Council delivered the new digital skills hub in the heart of Bloxwich as part of the £21.3million Bloxwich Town Deal, with the building being designed and extensively refurbished and extended by Speller Metcalfe and Atkins Realis, which was procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework.
Bloxwich Launchpad is located on Market Place in Bloxwich Town Centre and is open to the public Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm. The public are welcome to drop in to find out more, or can view upcoming courses and sessions on the Launchpad website.