Regeneration
Town centre businesses in Walsall briefed on upcoming transformation ahead of Cabinet report
Published on
On Thursday 7 March 2024, businesses based in Walsall town centre were invited to attend a briefing held by Walsall Council in the former M&S unit.
The briefing served as an opportunity for businesses to hear about the plans for the town centre and speak directly to officers to share their views and ask questions. The briefing marked the start of consultation into the changes that aim to transform Walsall town centre completely by 2027.
“ I am delighted to be able to present the designs for the town centre Connected Gateway project and welcome feedback from businesses in this ongoing consultation. This is a really exciting time for Walsall and I hope businesses will be able to see the huge opportunity that this transformation presents.
We hear and understand the ongoing concerns that businesses have about town centre security and we look forward to engaging further on this with our community safety colleagues. Creating light, bright, vibrant spaces is key in improving security and I hope people can see that this is one major step towards creating the Walsall town centre that people want and deserve
“
Over 300 businesses were invited to attend the briefing in the former M&S unit, which will be the site of a brand-new town centre adult learning facility once refurbishment to the shopping centre is complete.
A report, which is due to be presented at Cabinet on 20 March 2024, will ask for approval from Cabinet to proceed with the proposed designs.
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, removing buildings to create a clear walkway between the railway and bus stations.
Park Street and Gallery Square will both benefit from more greenery with further plans to improve the public realm and make the town centre more attractive also due to come forward shortly.
The Connected Gateway 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 nearly £40m of the borough’s £1.5billion programme of investment that promises to create over 4000 jobs and build over 1000 new homes.
ENDS
Read the Cabinet Report ahead of the meeting on 20 March 2024
Take part in the consultation by visiting Commonplace and submit your views on the proposals before 22 March 2024:
