The new centre is in the building previously occupied by Woolworths and has been fully refurbished.  Developers say the £1million conversion has turned the building into a modern air conditioned retail mall with spaces for over 40 local businesses.

The developers - Plaza Malls - say the mini mall will be solely used by local businesses with no national chains, meaning that local people will have a centrally located mall where they know they can support local people and their businesses.

Ian Austin MP said:

“It is great to see premises in our town centre being used to support small local businesses and I think today's opening shows that people are prepared to invest in the town centre, opening new businesses and bringing more trade to Dudley.  I for one will be using the Mall and want others to the same.”

"Supporting small local businesses is vital to our town's economy and shopping centre.  I am also very pleased to see this building back in public use and providing a service to our community.”

"I have shopped in Dudley all my life, I've worked hard to get extra funding for Dudley and we need to see the council move forward as quickly as possible with their plans for the town's regeneration.”