‘Innovative’ canal-side homes planned for Walsall town centre
New canal-side homes and a public square could be created in Walsall town centre if plans are given the go-ahead.
Regeneration company Urban Splash has put forward proposals for the Walsall Waterside scheme near the New Art Gallery, featuring 15 town houses and the creation of a public square and a pocket park.
The surrounding area, off Upper Navigation Street has seen a lot of redevelopment over the past few years, including the construction of apartments and a Premier Inn Hotel.
Urban Splash believes redeveloping the land, consisting of grassed mounds, next to the canal basin will complement the area.
Proposals for 20 houses were put forward for the site in 2018 but they were withdrawn and this new scheme has now been put forward instead.
The energy-efficient homes will be built off site in a factory before being transported to the area fully complete. The houses will form a terrace with the square and pocket park situated either side.
In the application, Urban Splash said the 483sq m pocket park will be landscaped and have street furniture to enable new and existing residents in the area to sit and enjoy the canal-side setting.
Significant
Waterside Square is proposed to be 946sq m public space and aimed at hosting pop-up events, art installations and street performers for the residents as well as town centre visitors.
Architects Shed KM said: “Whilst the surrounding area has benefited from significant regeneration in recent years, the application site has remained undeveloped.
“With a long-standing commitment to the area, Urban Splash believe the site could be an exciting waterfront development that would help to complete the regeneration of the canal basin.
“Urban Splash propose to bring 15 of their award-winning factory-made Town Houses to Walsall and create two high quality public spaces either side of the development.
“The proposed development represents high quality, innovative architecture that will create functional, modern homes with a high quality of amenity for future occupiers, without impacting adversely upon the amenity of existing dwellings in the area.
“(It) has been designed to reflect the local character and respect the setting of the Walsall Locks conservation area and creates a safe, accessible and legible environment including along the tow path/waterfront and the proposed public open spaces.
They added the proposal has been supported by the Canal Rivers Trust, with whom Urban Splash has been consulting with.
Walsall Council planners are expected to make a decision on Walsall Waterside next month.
