10-year masterplan to save Walsall town centre
Thousands of pounds is being spent on hiring a consultancy firm to help save Walsall town centre, described as being on a ‘knife-edge’ by council chiefs.
Dutch firm Arcadis has been tasked with turning round the fortunes of the struggling Black Country town by coming up with a 10-year masterplan.
Walsall has been hit by the loss of Marks and Spencer after 84 years and was last year labelled the worst in the country for empty shops with nearly 25 per cent empty.
Now projects like the relocation of the market will all be put on hold until Arcadis has delivered its report.
The firm has worked on global projects like the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai in the past.
It has not been disclosed how much it is being paid but council leaders said it will run into thousands of pounds.
Arcadis will complete its review in the New Year before drawing up a 10-year plan for the town centre that will serve as a guide for all current and future council leaders, regardless of party.
It could mean more leisure facilities, restaurants and homes in the town centre.
Walsall Council's deputy leader Adrian Andrew said he wanted a town providing a 'good offer' for visitors and people living in the town.
Councillor Andrew said: “Walsall is on a knife edge – we see no point in putting things into the centre which could be ripped out by the next party in power.
“We need an outside plan which can guide leaders of all political parties in the town, ensuring a co-ordinated approach to improving the centre. We want to do this properly.”
In neighbouring Wolverhampton, the city council also commissioned a report to provide a guide for future developments.
It includes plans for more cinema and restaurants along with hundreds more homes.
Councillor Andrew added: “I think it is obvious something needs to change.
"We need to bring more things in the town centre to attract more people, and we need to take advantage of the Commonwealth Games and improved transport links to Birmingham.
"The retail park [Crown Wharf Shopping Park] is busy, we need to drag some of that footfall back into the town centre.”
It means plans for a new market have been placed on hold.
The proposal was to bring all the market stalls, currently based in Market Square, Bridge Street, Park Street and The Bridge, to a central location on The Bridge.
Walsall Market Traders Association secretary Karen Sands said: "It is in the market's interest for our plans to pause and be part of a wider scheme.
"Obviously, we do want a new market area as soon as possible."
