New £11m Walsall College hub taking shape

Work started on the £11 business and sports centre next to the main Walsall College started last year - and is now heading towards completion.

The 39,000 sq ft development is due to see it open in September and forms a prominent part of regenerating the town centre.

The three-storey block aims to provide modern facilities for the thousands of students who come to the site off Littleton Street West each year.

It coincides with the building of the neighbouring £3.2million Jhoots pharmacy which is also going up at the junction of Hatherton Street.

The college hub will include a business incubation centre for start-up companies and conference and event facilities for up to 600 people.

There will also multi-purpose sports hall, dance and fitness studios, gym, spa, sports training and injury clinic along with a 40-seat bistro restaurant.

The external envelope of the building has been finalised and the internal fit out is already underway.

Deb Rajania, director of operations and resources at Walsall College, said: "From the onset the scheme has had the support of both the general public and local council, but as we approach the opening, excitement is gathering much more pace and local businesses and community groups have already expressed their interest in using the facilities.

"This reflects the strong need for a facility of this kind in Walsall, which will also enable budding entrepreneurs to take advantage of the incubation facilities and training opportunities, whilst the wider community will have a greater opportunity to get fit and healthy by doing sport and physical activity.

"As an outstanding college we are committed to supporting the regeneration of Walsall with the development of employability and enterprise skills and make it a thriving and exciting town for the whole community."