Iceland and Poundstretcher could be on the move in Walsall
Big firms such as Iceland, Gala Bingo and Poundstretcher could be forced to leave a Walsall retail park if plans go ahead to expand a town centre bus station.
An action plan has been drawn up by Walsall Council to make improvements to public transport in the borough, which includes increasing the capacity of Bradford Place bus station.
It would mean the bus interchange taking up part of Jerome Retail Park, in Midland Road, according to the plans - which also state working with landowners to 'explore the relocation of affected businesses'.
The report to the council's cabinet claims the improvements will create a larger and more modern facility to allow for future increases in bus services.
Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said using the retail park to expand the bus station could be unavoidable due to constraints on the land.
He said: "If it means a land take then obviously Jerome Retail Park is the first point of call to look at in relation to land issues.
"It depends how much land is required.
"It may mean relocating the businesses at Jerome Retail Park particularly because it is the only available land in the proximity of Bradford Place.
"This is only a discussion document. We would expect the retailers to have an input."
The retail park also includes Home Bargains and Clearance Bargains.
A report to the council states that 29 per cent of Walsall's population has no access to a car and public transport is important in allowing residents in the borough to access jobs and education, as well as travel for leisure purposes.
The report said: "Improvements to Bradford Place Bus Interchange will create a larger and more modern facility to allow for future increases in bus services and patronage.
"This would result in the loss of some of Jerome Retail Park in order to allow for the increased capacity.
"The council will actively work with land owners to discuss the impact of this and to explore the relocation of affected businesses.
"It is considered that the benefit of increased bus capacity and a more user friendly bus interchange will greatly improve the accessibility of the town centre, therefore having a positive impact on the viability and attractiveness of the town centre."
It said further work would be carried out in consultation with neighbouring businesses.
