Walsall releases ‘thriving, vibrant and attractive’ town centre vision
An extra 600 homes could be built in a rejuvenated Walsall by 2040, as part of a new masterplan for the town centre published by the council.
The document, set to go before the Walsall Council’s cabinet on 10 December, will also provide a vision for improved public spaces for markets and events, a new leisure centre and a new mixed-use cultural hub.
Under the plans, a potential 150-home build-to-rent development is earmarked for an area near the Walsall Canal known as Waterside Point, with new residential-led schemes also planned for a 5-acre site called Station Quarter.
A £68m regeneration scheme is already under way in the town centre, with early phase improvements around the town’s railway station and Saddler Centre shopping arcade now completed.
Future plans include a new creative industries enterprise centre to incubate local businesses, providing around 15,000 sq ft of specialist workspace.
The town’s central area covers around 215 acres and is home to nearly 10,000 residents, 20,500 jobs, and over 1,000 businesses in the retail, leisure and civic core of Walsall.
As part of plans to boost business in the area, the authority says it plans to convert some secondary retail locations for leisure use, with the town currently oversupplied with retail space to the tune of around 400,000 sq ft, according to the report.
CBRE, supported by ADP and Stantec, acted as strategic advisors to lead the development of the framework.
“Like many town centres, Walsall has faced tough times with changes in shopping habits and the cost-of-living crisis. But we’re determined to turn things around,” said Cllr Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council.
“This new plan builds on the progress we’ve already made since 2019, when we secured £31 million to kick-start major improvements that are now taking shape.
“Walsall is open for business. We’ve shown we can attract investment and work with partners to make things happen. This framework is about creating new opportunities for homes, jobs, leisure and culture, and making our town centre a place we can all be proud of.”
The council’s town centre masterplan document can be viewed online at Walsall Council’s website.
Perhaps a theatre for the use of local amateur societies at reasonable rental could be included with all this change, as majority societies cannot afford the cost of the Bloxwich Hub since Mike Parrot retired and the Council is their usual wisdom outpaced many.
By Anonymous
We had a cultural hub a few years ago, it was a flop, the people of Walsall were just not interested. What Walsall town centre needs is decent shops, that is the only thing that will bring people to the town. Grass and trees are all very well but the town needs good shops!
By JCH
What a waste of money you need to get the market back up to pre could standards maybe people will come back to the town at the minute it’s a laughing stock .
By Angry walsall resident
Lovely to hear about Walsall once again. What about Brownhills??? We have had promises and lies from our councillors and MPs for over a decade. Each one promising to end the blight that is Ravens Court. Empty promises from each and every one. Shame on you.
By Jill