Final hurdle facing Tesco store scheme

A new Tesco superstore creating hundreds of jobs in the Black Country could clear its final hurdle next week with council chiefs poised to grant full planning permission.

Demolition of the former Walsall College and the creation of the supermarket in its place is on track to get the backing of council chiefs.

It will mean the retail giant can go ahead with its plans for a 10,880 sq metre store, which is part of the multi-million pound land swap which has seen the college's Wisemore Campus open in Littleton Street.

It is just one of several plans Tesco has for the region, and comes just weeks after planning permission for a Tesco Extra in West Bromwich as part of a £500 million regeneration project creating 2,000 jobs was received.

A new-look Tesco is also in the pipeline for Brownhills.

However, it emerged yesterday they have scrapped proposals for an Express shop on land occupied by the derelict Gate Inn pub in Rowley Regis.

Outline planning permission for the store in Walsall, which will lead to around 200 jobs, was granted in December 2006.

The scheme also includes 750 car parking spaces, cafe and offices.

Ongoing

A report to the council's development control committee on Thursday is recommending the multi-mil lion project clears the final stage to allow it to open.

David Elsworthy, head of planning and building control says to councillors: "The development is vital to the ongoing regeneration of Walsall.

"The design wraps the store around frontages of St Paul's Street and the new Wisemore Boulevard creating active links between the new college, the town centre retail core and public transport infastructure.

"The development is a significant regeneration project for Walsall town centre and will deliver a modern retail foodstore with associated retail, units, petrol filling stations and offices with high quality sustainable design at the heart of the proposals."

Once appoved it is expected demolition will begin in weeks with construction to get underway at the start of next year. The building should be ready for Christmas 2010.

By Craig Hughes