Residents encouraged to give their views on Walsall market

Residents across Walsall are being invited to give their thoughts on the future development of markets across the borough.

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Walsall Council has started a full and detailed review to help identify the best way to achieve the council’s ambition for markets in the borough to become destination events.

The council is working with external consultants Market Curators, the UK’s leading specialist market and food hall development consultancy, and a review of the council’s markets is now underway, starting with Walsall Market via an online survey, with trader and business engagement to follow.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, associate leader and portfolio holder for economic growth and regeneration at Walsall Council, explained what the plan behind the consultation was.

He said: “The way we shop and the way our communities use high streets and town centres is changing.

"Consumer shopping habits have changed and moved online, and our markets need to move with the times and adapt.

The bustling Walsall market in the 1940s.

Walsall market — The consultation will look to see what residents want to help make the markets destination locations

The markets have been part of the town for years in Walsall

Stalls at Walsall market near to the Sister Dora statue at The Bridge

“I believe that now is the right time to be launching a full and detailed review of our markets which will inform investments into our Future Markets Strategy.

"Street markets still have a vital role to play, and we want to ensure our markets are destination events and play an important cultural, social and economic role.

“To start with, we need to hear our residents’ views about Walsall market.

"The number of shoppers visiting all our markets has reduced significantly in recent years and we are talking to traders and shoppers as we shape our markets of the future to ensure they are popular and profitable.

Residents are being asked to talk about what they would like to see happen with the market on Bridge Street and other markets in the borough

"Reviews of our other markets in Willenhall and Bloxwich will follow shortly.”

The markets review is part of Walsall Council’s draft 2025/26 budget, which incudes proposed savings, investments and increases in council tax.

A six-week consultation on the draft 2025/26 budget is open until midnight on Friday, November 29.

To complete the online survey, go to: go.walsall.gov.uk/business/markets-street-trading-and-car-boot-sales/visit-a-market.