Multi-million pound revamp of Walsall town centre
Walsall town centre will undergo a multi-million pound regeneration as ambitious plans to transform key sites near the Waterfront and train station were revealed.
A potential bidder has come forward for the former Lex car dealership site, which could provide a breakthrough for a long-awaited development of the area.
Council bosses are also keen to revamp Station Street to boost connections between the station and Waterfront. Train services from Walsall to London are to be increased and officials want to make the area more attractive to shoppers and businesses.
A crucial £150,000 worth of funding has been provided to kick-start work at Lex and has allowed remediation work at the site to start. The authority says it is in talks with a potential buyer, which is eyeing the site for a possible retail and offices development.
Report
A report from the local authority’s regeneration boss Adrian Andrew said: “Waterfront, the former Lex site, has benefitted from Local Growth funding with £150,000 of site remediation works having recently been completed.
“Interest in the land has been expressed and the council is looking to transact its land interest to support proposals of a new commercial development. I hope to be able to announce more on this later this year.
“The council also continues to work with West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Transport for West Midlands, Homes England and land owners to explore redevelopment proposals for land at Station Street, which will seek to improve the site’s connectivity and gateway location next to Walsall Rail Station and the Waterfront.”
A redevelopment of the Lex site has been in the pipeline for several years. The land was snapped up by the authority to allow it to be used for leisure or retail.
The 2.2-acres plot was previously owned by the Homes and Communities Agency.
