Walsall Town Centre to Transform with Major Regeneration Project

Walsall town center will change a lot soon. They approved big plans to make it better; it is called the Connected Gateway Project. They will knock down some buildings on Park Street, which will create a new plaza in the center.

Butler’s Passage is a key focus spot in Walsall. The footpath links Park Street with the bus station and is known for antisocial issues. They want to improve the area, and council buildings around the passage will go, opening up a large public space.

Demolition should begin later this year. They plan to remove buildings at 38-46 Park Street, which includes the old Foot Locker and Subway. Also gone will be Fonehub and Card Factory; however, the former Foot Locker building is locally listed.

Architects considered keeping the building in Walsall, but they decided demolition was better overall. Some parts might be used for street furniture.

The Subway owner objected to the plans because he bought the business in January, so he will lose money by closing. Walsall College students like the new plans. Kids said they feel unsafe in town; they called Butler’s Passage “vomit alley.” Now, they think the plans look good; these works line up with other projects.

The Bradford Mall is getting renovated now in Walsall. They are also changing the old M&S building, which will be an Adult Learning Facility for Walsall College. The Guildhall will become a Creative Industries center, and they are adding a footbridge over the canal.

The Active Public Space scheme is also happening and runs alongside the Gateway project. It will improve the area by the Art Gallery, adding more plants and a water feature. Pop-up events will happen here too.

Everyone supported the Gateway Project, and they voted to approve development. Many are happy to see Butler’s Passage change; one councillor mentioned £75,000 spent on it before.