Walsall town centre framework
Overview
The Walsall Town Centre Framework provides a renewed vision for transformational change across Walsall town centre over the next 5, 10 and 15 years to 2040, aligned with our We Are Walsall 2040 borough plan. It aims to provide clear direction for the council and its partners for its regeneration, building on projects already in delivery that will make the town centre a more attractive, vibrant and prosperous place.
The framework builds on the momentum driven by the 2019 Town Centre Masterplan, which has guided our £68 million town centre capital programme to-date, backed by £31 million of Government investment. Projects on-site include:
- Connected Gateway, which is delivering an integrated bus and rail interchange and new public spaces in the heart of the retail core and the re-design of the 185,000sqft Saddlers Centre.
- The new Adult Learning Centre, a new 43,700sqft facility opening in 2027 delivered in partnership with Walsall College, which will upskill and reskill over 8,000 adults from entry level through to high level qualifications.
The framework’s strategy
The framework is underpinned by six strategic objectives, aiming to create a town centre by 2040 which is:
- diversified and attractive to visit
- accessible to all
- vibrant throughout the day and night
- a mixed and balanced community
- sustainable
- a place to be proud of
Delivering the vision
The spatial focus for change up to 2040 is defined in five opportunity areas, reinforcing our commitment to working with public and private sector partners to realise transformational change and deliver on the six strategic objectives.
The opportunity areas are the focus as they have the greatest potential for change. Each opportunity area has a clear set of development principles and interventions which crystallise how public and private sector investment can realise the framework vision and deliver on the strategic objectives.
A mixed-use neighbourhood spanning a revitalised Walsall Canal, creating a new residential community at Waterside Point. A connected canalside will provide spaces to wander and relax, connecting to Walsall Canal towpath that provides north-south access to the wider borough.
A new residential-led neighbourhood, capitalising on the connectivity provided by Walsall train station, access to waterside leisure on the Waterfront and an enhanced culture and retail offer centred on Park Place and Connected Gateway.
The focus for Walsall’s cultural, retail and F&B offer, anchored by a new culture and leisure development at Digbeth Park Place Shopping Centre and reinforced by high quality open spaces along Park Street. The primary drivers for change will be Park Place Shopping Centre and Saddlers Centre, joined together by safe and attractive public spaces.
Hosts the Borough’s Civic Centre and Council House, alongside its historic Town Hall, central library at the Lichfield Street Hub and Gala Baths. Lichfield Street is a primary route into the town centre, providing a tree-lined environment linking to the Walsall Arboretum.
The focus for Walsall’s enhanced outdoor market, with an independent retail and F&B offer in The Victorian Arcade. The existing retail offer, including anchor tenants such as Primark, will be complemented by the comprehensive redevelopment and/or repurposing of the Old Square Shopping Centre.
Accessibility
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