Walsall town centre to receive £20 million boost with cash used to tackle crime and regeneration

The  money will be used to tackle crime and regenerate the town centre, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said.

Improvements to CCTV and a new youth centre will help tackle the root causes of anti-social behaviour, said ministers.

And to bring people back into the town centre, the Healthy High Street team will promote business engagement, increase activities and events to revive community spirit and boost the local economy.  

New outdoor gym equipment will be installed along the route between Walsall College and the railway station, and improved pedestrian and cycle paths and create a more welcoming route to the town centre with more green spaces, improved signposting and new public art.

The money will be spent over a two-year period, with the first £10.25 million to be committed by the end of March this year,. and the remaining £10million to be committed by March 2026.

The first portion of funding will cover the purchases of the Park Place shopping centre and former Lex car showroom site in Wolverhampton Road. and support plans for the redevelopment of Walsall’s markets. 

A town centre youth centre will be set up, and the money will also fund the appointment of two town-centre business staff

It will also be used to set up a small capital  grants programme for community groups, as well as working with the existing A’aina Hub for women and children, and the Alumwell Resource Centre. Improvements will also be made to the area around the Walsall canal basin and Gallery Square.

The second round of funding will include the installation of the outdoor gym trail, between the college and the station, and a new plaza with a large digital screen is expected to be created.  

New centres will be created to improve the skills of local people, and improving support for people who speak English as a second language. 

These centres will also support activities such as mental health clubs and domestic abuse prevention. Funding will also provide space in the town centre to deliver health and diagnostic services to reduce pressure on the NHS.   

"Treasured community assets will be saved and the leisure and retail offer in the town centre improved by unlocking future development of the Park Place Shopping Centre and Walsall Waterfront site, boosting the local economy through upgrading the market offer, all of which will protect the unique character and heritage of Walsall," said a spokeswoman for the department.

Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: “Growth is the Government’s priority and we want every person and community across the country to be part of this. The regeneration and improvements coming to Walsall will really put this town at the forefront of our decade of national renewal.  

“With this £20 million package we are tackling issues that really matter to the region, rather than a one-size fits all approach, this tailored package will guarantee long-term, sustainable growth that means more money in people’s pockets.” 

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council, said: "“It is great news that the Government has confirmed this funding through the Community Regeneration Partnership. Walsall Council is proud to be working in partnership with the Ministry for Communities, Housing and Local Government to deliver a healthier and more prosperous future for Walsall town centre."

He said the money would be spread across 15 new projects that support the council's vision for a thriving, inclusive and sustainable borough by 2040.

"The projects will help us to create opportunities, boost the local economy, improve health outcomes for local people and take back our streets. I look forward to seeing these projects take shape over the coming months.”