Work paving the way for new shops in £21m Walsall centre revamp
The first phase of demolition work has been carried out to allow a multi-million pound revamp of a town centre shopping centre.
Work to tear down the back of the former Tesco building and empty surrounding units has been taking place over the last month, paving the way for the Old Square transformation in Walsall.
A new Primark and Co-op are due to open next year as part of the £21 million revamp.
The demolition work has been hailed as a milestone for the project which is expected to create around 150 jobs through the opening of the new stores. Walsall Council agreed to pump in up to £8m from its own cash reserves to kick-start the long-awaited project.
Regeneration chief, Councillor Adrian Andrew, said: "It is a massive milestone. You can see a new future for Walsall, it is happening, Primark is going to be open next year with Co-op. We are delighted we have supported it. People can see a new Walsall appearing before their eyes."
The project is due to completed and new shops open by summer 2015. It is providing a boost to the economy, with sub-contractors and companies drawn from across the area to work on the development.
Some Walsall Market traders have moved to make way for work at the Old Square with alternative positions found.
A rent reduction of 25 per cent was offered by the council to traders located away from the main temporary pitch.
Plans are now in place for a £1.75 million revamp of Walsall's 800-year-old outdoor market.
