More shoppers at Walsall's Saddlers centre as TJ Hughes opens its doors

The Saddlers Shopping Centre had an average 130,000 visitors each week before the new T J Hughes store opened its doors.

But following the store opening on October 8, shopping centre bosses claim footfall has dramatically increased.

Topland, which owns the site, said an extra 40,000 extra people were now visiting the centre.

Steve Pope, asset director for the company, said: "When we purchased the centre back in February 2013,our plan was to give the Saddlers Centre's loyal customers a better shopping experience, with greater choice and diversity.

"We are pleased with the progress we have made at the scheme during the year, especially the new let to T J Hughes.

"Everyone involved with the scheme has worked hard to deliver this plan and Topland's intensive management style has paid off.

"Footfall has increased by an average of 40,000 per week up until the end of October from a very healthy average level of 130,000 people per week."

Since taking over the centre, the operators also launched a food hub, bringing in Burger King.

Mr Pope said he hoped to further expand the food hall next year.

The figures come just weeks after the Old Square Shopping Centre saw its visitors numbers increase following the opening of Primark.

It follows a critical report from the Local Data Company, which said around 28 per cent of shop units were empty in Walsall.

The Saddlers has just one of the 46 units inside the shopping centre currently empty.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council deputy leader, said: "What Topland have done to the Saddlers Centre is absolutely brilliant.

"They have really put an emphasis on it and made it one of the places to be in Walsall.

"With the departure of Argos, things could have gone badly wrong but they have bounced back and getting T J Hughes in appears to be a master stroke.

"The footfall figures are great news for the Saddlers Centre and for Walsall as a town and they are a testament to the good work put in by Topland.

"There are hardly any empty units on site, which is relatively unheard of these days.

"It just goes to show we are in the middle of a strong renaissance for the town.

"When you look at the improvements at the Saddlers Centre, coupled with the planned opening of a new cinema and the various other regeneration projects we have going on, it is all good news for Walsall."