Walsall is seeing exciting development projects. As the year wraps up, here’s an update on key initiatives shaping the borough’s future.
In Walsall Town Centre, the Connected Gateway Project is underway. It aims to enhance the Saddlers Centre and link the railway station with St Paul’s bus station. Construction on the Bradford Mall area began in November.
Plans to transform Butler’s Passage were submitted in December 2024. They involve demolishing buildings to create a better connection between the bus station and the high street. A decision on this is expected in March 2025.
The Guildhall, a historic building, will start renovations in early 2025. It’s set to become a Creative Industries Enterprise Centre, with completion expected by Spring 2026. Initially, construction was planned for Spring 2024.
A new canal footbridge got the green light in September 2024. Work is expected to start in early 2026. This bridge will help residents living near Boulevard Walk save time on their trips to Crown Wharf Retail Park.
Improvements to Gallery Square will kick off in mid-2025. The goal is to create a more inviting public space around Park Street and Gallery Square. The council is partnering with the Canal and River Trust to enhance the canal basin area.
In Bloxwich, the Green Bloxwich program aims to revamp King George V Playing Fields. Plans include restoring the Pavilion and Park Lodge and adding new play equipment. Work is set to begin in Spring 2025.
Bloxwich Launchpad is also in progress. This facility will support digital access and training for entrepreneurs. It’s expected to open in September 2024, with the latest completion date set for Spring 2025.
In Willenhall, demolition plans for several streets were announced. The council has the power to buy properties without consent. This project aims to build 107 new homes and improve local services.
Willenhall and Darlaston railway stations are on track for completion by late 2025 or early 2026. Ground work was finished in 2024, but adjustments were needed due to an unauthorized building near Willenhall station.
A new one-platform station in Aldridge is also in the works. It will provide half-hourly services to Walsall, taking just six minutes to reach the town. This service is expected to start in 2027.
SPARK, a new logistics and manufacturing hub, is being developed at Reservoir Place. Remediation work was done in 2024, and construction is set to begin in February 2025, with units available by autumn 2025.
Lastly, Darlaston received £20 million in government funding for development over ten years. Updates are pending, but the council plans to keep the investment program going into the new year.
