‘Hugely frustrating’ – Council steps in at stalled Aldi Ravenscourt site

Walsall Council is considering plans to purchase the derelict Ravenscourt Shopping Centre, after a series of failed supermarket-led regeneration plans have left the site vacant for more than a decade.

The authority hopes demolition of the 1960’s precinct could kickstart the regeneration of Brownhills, after councillors voted to explore purchasing options for the site at a behind-close-doors session last week.

The vacant Ravenscourt Shopping Centre has been the subject of a number of would-be regeneration projects since it closed down more than a decade ago, but the collapse of a proposal by Aldi this month has promoted action from the local authority, who accused both Aldi and Tesco of “letting down” the area by abandoning schemes.

Aldi bought the freehold to the majority of the site in 2021 and in 2022, plans were approved to demolish the centre to make way for a new store with the backing of Walsall Council, who said the scheme was “a priority for both the council and Aldi”.

A new store was proposed in 2022. Credit: Stoas Architects

A 20,000 sq ft store was proposed by the discounter, which would provide “significant improvements to the street scene”, on what it said was a “challenging” site.

However, negotiations between Aldi and third party owners for portions of the site not currently under their control appear to have floundered, leading to the council’s decision to pursue its own redevelopment plans this week.

In a private session of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 18 March, the council’s cabinet voted to “make enquiries of the owner for the potential purchase of the land and buildings” at Ravenscourt.

Aldi declined to directly comment on the future of the site, however discussions between the authority and the supermarket are believed to be ongoing.

“The site has been a long standing blight on the Brownhills community, and residents have consistently told us they want to see it demolished and transformed into something that creates real opportunities and lasting value for local people,” said the council’s deputy leader, Cllr Adrian Andrew.

“Brownhills has been let down by Tesco and now ALDI with their promises to redevelop the site with 100% support from the Council, but both have pulled out. It is hugely frustrating and annoying that previous private sector plans have not progressed and the council is not afraid to intervene.

“We will use our powers and resources to drive regeneration and ensure sites like this are brought back into meaningful use for the benefit of our communities.”