Express & Star

Permission granted for multi-million pound redevelopment of Walsall town centre

Plans to demolish a row of shops in Walsall's main retail area as part of a £41 million regeneration scheme have been granted approval.

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An image of how the new public square will look
An image of how the new public square will look

Planners have given permission for a row of four shops in the town's main pedestrian area to be demolished to make way for a new public square connecting the bus station to the council-owned Saddlers Centre and the railway station.

It forms part of the Connected Gateway development which will create a large pedestrian concourse to replace the narrow Butler's Passage alleyway.

Four shops in Park Street, Walsall, are set to be demolished
Four shops in Park Street, Walsall, are set to be demolished

It will see the demolition of four shop units in the pedestrianised Park Street, including a locally-listed 1920s building, at present occupied by a Subway sandwich shop and a mobile phone shop. The neighbouring Fonehub – formerly Halifax and Card Factory shops will also be demolished, while the building occupied by Holland & Barrett will be renovated. 

The wider scheme will also see a new frontage for the shopping centre, and an improved walkway to create a direct line of sight between the bus station and the railway station.