Walsall school set to takeover empty shops in expansion plans
A row of shops which have sat empty in Walsall town centre for a number of years could become part of a new school.
Walsall Studio School wants to incorporate four units in George Street as additional classrooms to complement its new site across the road.
In their proposal, school representatives said the shops have been unoccupied for four years and, despite efforts, have failed to attract businesses to move in.
The application for prior approval for the scheme is currently being considered by Walsall Council planning officers, who are anticipated to make a decision next month.
Agents Delta Planning said: “The development proposed is the change of use of units 5-8 George Street from retail to use as part of the school.
“No external alterations are required other than signage. The retail units are situated directly opposite the school and will provide additional teaching accommodation to support curriculum needs for the school.
“The units will only be used during normal school hours (8.30am-4.30pm) Monday to Friday and therefore will not be in use at times when residential amenity issues would be a concern.
“The application site comprises of four retail units totalling 264 sq mt. They form part of a modern parade of shops built as part of the St Matthews Quarter mixed use development which also comprises residential apartments and parking.
“The location is highly accessible being close to Walsall Town Centre with excellent bus and train services within a few minutes' walk, and being adjacent to Asda and a large multi-storey car park.
“The units have fully glazed shop frontages onto George Street. The units have been vacant for at least four years despite continuous marketing over that period.
“Having assessed the site and the proposed use we consider that there are no likely unacceptable impacts posed by this change of use and we seek confirmation of this from the planning authority.”
The Studio School is part of the Mercian Trust group of Walsall schools and shares the main campus with the Walsall Ladder School.
The two schools, which between them have 200 pupils, will share the new education centre.
