Restaurant and 11 shops star in Walsall plans
A large restaurant and 11 shops will be included in a multi-million pound scheme which promises to transform the southern end of Walsall's main shopping high street, it can be revealed.
The £12 million plan, which has just been submitted, involves regenerating St Matthew's Quarter and is expected to create 200 jobs. Developers behind the scheme have branded it as a "landmark retail and leisure development" which will create a "vibrant shopping destination".
Norton & Proffitt Developments, the joint venture between St Modwen and Goold Estates Ltd, has submitted the planning application for the site in Digbeth, which will see the row of buildings torn down before the new units are built.
Bosses behind the scheme say they decided to submit the application following an encouraging response to the scheme from retailers and from Walsall Council.
St Modwen development surveyor Mark Watkins said: "This exciting new 90,000sq ft retail and leisure development marks the next stage in achieving our vision for Walsall town centre.
"Fronting the existing square, the modern units and restaurant will provide shoppers with an improved shopping experience."
The new scheme will boast a 11,930 sq ft restaurant and space for 11 shops on the ground and mezzanine floors. It is the latest stage of Norton & Proffitt's £90m St Matthew's Quarter regeneration scheme.
Dominic Goold, of Goold Estates, added: "Combined with the Asda, apartments and the Goldmine youth centre, this next phase of the St. Matthew's Quarter project will continue to provide a tremendous boost to the transformation of this area of Walsall into a 21st century retail and leisure destination."
Regeneration chief Councillor Adrian Andrew said it was another "confidence boost" for Walsall town centre.
