Regeneration
Approved designs show extent of town centre transformation coming to Walsall
Published on
Walsall Town Centre is being transformed as part of the borough’s £1.5billion programme of investment.
The Connected Gateway project, due to start the first phase of construction in Spring-Summer 2024, will reconfigure the area around Park Street to create a clear walkway between the railway and bus stations.
“ I’m looking forward to seeing the changes in Walsall town centre start to take shape. These improvements present opportunities for businesses and will boost the local economy, bringing adult learners into the town centre and creating spaces for other non-retail uses that will attract greater footfall, making Walsall a destination of choice “
The Saddlers Centre will receive extensive updates to modernise the space, repurposing the former M&S unit into a town centre adult learning facility in partnership with Walsall College.
“ The former M&S is ideally situated in the heart of the town centre, with ample parking as well as close public transport links. We look forward to bringing learning and training opportunities into the town centre and working with residents to boost skills. “
The walkway through the mall from the railway station will be straightened up and widened, creating a more attractive arrival experience when stepping off the train in Walsall, and the clear sightline from the railway station to the bus station will help to better link public transport.
“ We’ve been working closely with the Council on this for some time, and it’s great to see the plans begin to really take shape. We welcome and encourage opportunities for non-retail uses and the proposed plans will really inject life back into the town centre “
Park Street and Gallery Square will both benefit from more greenery, and further plans to improve the public realm and make the town centre more attractive.
The project will help to increase footfall, improve the environment through greenery and high-quality public realm and introduce more opportunities for businesses to boost the economy.
Funded through the Future High Streets fund and investment from Walsall Council, the Connected Gateway project represents £11.4m of the borough’s £1.5billion programme of investment that will create over 4000 jobs and build over 1000 new homes.
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