Regeneration
Construction begins on Walsall’s historic Guildhall creative hub
Published on
The much-anticipated restoration and transformation of Walsall’s grade II* listed Guildhall has started!
Contractor Interclass will be getting to work to carefully restore and transform the building, which was last in use as an Italian restaurant, into a vibrant Creative Industries Enterprise Centre (CIEC).
The project, funded through Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund and the government’s Towns Fund, aims to foster creativity in the heart of Walsall by giving creatives a space to form and grow businesses, access specialist equipment and tools, and learn new skills.
“ It’s great to see work starting on the Guildhall and I’m looking forward to seeing the building brought back into use.
This project is a great example of how we can diversify town centre buildings and create spaces to bring the community together. Walsall is a hub of creativity and with the right facilities, there is real opportunity to support and grow creative talent. “
Spearheading the creative industries initiative is Walsall-based Makerspace Urban Hax, who will work in partnership with the council to deliver and run the CIEC.
“ We’re really excited to see spades in the ground at the Guildhall and look forward to its opening next year.
The Guildhall will offer space for a wide variety of creative businesses and makers; from leather workers and woodworkers to fashion designers and digital artists. Through funding secured by the council we are able to invest in specialist equipment and machinery to help support local creatives to grow their businesses and hone their skills. It is a really exciting time for Walsall’s creative industries and we are delighted to be leading on this project
“
Established in 2014 Urban Hax has built its reputation as being a great place to practice and exploit creativity in all its forms and aims to build a thriving creative community in the Black Country.
Urban Hax was instrumental in bringing to life Walsall’s first MakerFest in September 2024 and is continuing to work with the council on the second MakerFest coming on Saturday 13 September 2025; a fitting warm-up for the Guildhall’s grand opening in the summer of ‘26!
“ We’re proud to be starting work on the transformation of Walsall’s historic Guildhall. With strong local ties and a continued presence in the area, we’re pleased to support a project that brings new life to a key landmark while helping grow the town’s creative community. As part of our commitment to social value, we’ll also be working to create opportunities that benefit local people and businesses throughout the delivery of the project. “
Walsall Council has recently secured an additional £20million funding through the government’s Community Regeneration Partnership, enabling additional funding to be allocated to the CIEC scheme for further specialist equipment and facilities.
Construction on the Guildhall is set to complete in Spring 2026 ready for a grand opening in early summer.
Gleeds, CPMG Architects and Cundall are the appointed consultants working on the scheme.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The funding for the Creative Industries Enterprise Centre is made up of £1.783M from the Government’s Towns Fund and £3.0m from Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund.
The project was procured through Constructing West Midlands, a publicly owned and managed framework with a strong track record in delivering public and third sector projects
