Walsall Council is set to vote on major plans. The aim is to regenerate the town centre by demolishing buildings and creating open spaces.
The plans involve knocking down some buildings and opening up the area between the bus and shopping centres. The shopping centre is the Saddlers Centre.
If approved, they will demolish specific buildings, including 38-46 Park Street. Places like Foot Locker and Subway will go. They aim to create a new public space and improve the arrival experience. People should also see both stations clearly.
Butler’s Passage feels unsafe now, and anti-social behavior happens there. This project is key to the town’s masterplan and involves widening Butler’s Passage.
One building to be demolished is locally listed, but architects considered working around it. Demolishing it helps the town more.
The council wants the healthiest town centre, and the project should finish by 2040. Funds come from two sources, including the Future High Streets Fund.
Bradford Mall has ongoing improvements also, and the old M&S store will change too. A new learning facility is coming, and Walsall College will help.
The council plans to move Walsall Arena, and the Arts Centre may move too. This came out last month, but no decision has been made yet.
The council also wants to move the Leather Museum to a central council building. Right now, it is on Littleton Street West.
Arcadis manages the project and said the town centre underperforms. There are many empty shops now, and they want to regenerate the town.
