Big changes could be coming to Walsall’s town center. Councilors decide this week on a plan to overhaul the area, promising improved connectivity and safety.
They want to tear down some buildings. This involves places like Foot Locker and Subway. The plan will open up the area near the bus station.
Think Saddlers Shopping Centre’s entrance on Park Street. This plan is named Connected Gateway Project. It wants to make a new public space downtown.
The idea is to improve the view. You should see the train station better from the bus station. Right now, Butler’s Passage is not great. People don’t feel safe walking there.
The council considers it part of a larger plan. This is the Walsall Town Centre Masterplan. One building to go is locally listed, but flattening it helps the town center more.
The council wants a super healthy town. Work, if approved, should finish by 2040. They’re getting money from two sources. The Future High Streets Fund helps.
Walsall Council provides money too. The project also impacts other spots. Improvement work is underway in Bradford Mall. The old M&S will become something new. It will house an Adult Learning Facility. Walsall College will be involved.
They might move Walsall Arena to the center. The current location is in Leamore. A final call has not been made yet.
The Walsall Leather Museum may move too. They are thinking of a more central spot. Its current home is on Littleton Street West. Experts say the town center needs investment and added there are many empty stores right now. The plan aims to revive the town again.
