Regeneration
Update given on Brownhills shopping centre set to become an Aldi
Published on
An update on the progress of the former Ravenscourt Shopping Centre in Brownhills is expected at Walsall Council’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday 11 December.
The shopping centre on Brownhills high street has been empty and mostly derelict for a number of years and has been the centre for vandalism and antisocial behaviour in the area.
The majority of the site is now owned by Aldi, with the intention of demolishing the existing shopping centre to create a fit-for-purpose Aldi store. However, in order to proceed with the development there is a small number of shop units on the high street that Aldi still needs to acquire.
“ Having been involved in this project for some years, along with ward members, it is great to see more movement taking place and recommitting to working with Aldi to deliver this project as we did a couple of years ago. We are committed to working to make this happen and remove this eyesore and hope that Aldi will take action to demolish as soon as possible to show the people of Brownhills their commitment to this project
“There are 4 shop units on the high street within the development area which Aldi has been attempting purchase since 2020, however they have not been able to reach an agreement with the owners.
As a council we are considering our options to assist with this much-needed development, and while we do not take these decisions lightly, we will consider using compulsory purchase powers to make sure the redevelopment is able to go ahead if we need to “
The Cabinet report proposes to work with Aldi to ensure that the land and property to be purchased is essential in the delivery of the new store, and that planning permission is in place. Subject to Aldi evidencing that the scheme is feasible, Walsall Council will consider the future use of compulsory purchase powers to help acquire the necessary sites.
ENDS
