Plans to revamp Walsall's Saddlers Centre as part of efforts to revive town's fortunes get green light

Walsall Council’s planning committee has approved proposals to revamp the Saddlers Centre, make the Park Street shopping zone more attractive by opening up  Butler’s Passage by demolishing some buildings to create a large open walkway, connecting the railway and bus stations.

The scheme includes improved lighting and landscaping with the planting of more trees and greenery as part of efforts to attract future investment aimed to attract more shoppers and improve the night time economy.

Proposed improvements to Gallery Square and the canal basin were also presented to the committee to showcase the bigger picture of improvements in the pipeline.

 Associate Walsall Council leader Councillor Adrian Andrew said: “It is great news that planning permission has been granted for the Town Centre Connected Gateway project by Walsall Planning Committee. 

"This is a real boost for the future of our town and confidence boost for more investment in the borough.

 “It’s important for us to make sure people have a good experience when they come to Walsall so they’ll choose to come again. Increased footfall to the town centre will grow the local economy. 

"We’re working on schemes that will improve job creation, and we will build more homes in the town centre too.  We want to create an environment where Walsall is a vibrant and safe place to be.”

 The proposals are part of a series of planned works in Walsall Town Centre that aim to drive footfall, create a cleaner and safer town centre environment, attract business and boost the local economy.

The Saddlers Centres is owned by the council and managed by agents Avison Young.  Avison Young director Richard Jones said: “It’s great that planning permission for the project has been granted. 

"The project will significantly improve the arrival experience for visitors arriving by public transport and will enhance the quality of the town centre retail and leisure provision. With these improvements,  we hope to attract new retail and food and beverage operators into the centre.”

 Other projects include a revamp of Walsall Guildhall in Goodhall Street which is  is due to be completed within two years; the Adult Learning Centre is due to move into the former M&S store in Park Street; there are also plans to build a new canal footbridge off Wolverhampton Street.