Walsall Town Centre
A town centre mixed-use development with excellent access to the heart of the UK’s motorway network.
OPPORTUNITY
The promoter Walsall Council is seeking a range of investment opportunities including development partners, forward funding and occupiers in new office, retail, leisure, residential and mixed-use town centre developments.
The proposition to work in partnership with the Council and other agencies is being developed to secure the delivery of a number of attractive investment opportunities in support of the Council’s long-term vision for the town centre. This will build on the significant investment in the Waterfront scheme and world-class New Art Gallery, as well as substantial grant funding allocated from UK government to support the town centre.
Promoter: Walsall Council
Scale: £300m+ GDV
Sector: Mixed-use Retail, Leisure, Office and Residential
Location: Walsall Town Centre
Investment Type: Development partners, forward funding and occupiers
Programme: 2023-2028
Planning Status: Walsall Town Centre Area Action Plan adopted January 2019
Website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/regeneration_intro
BACKGROUND
Walsall Town Centre is located in close proximity to M6 Junction 10 for which a £78m improvement scheme is nearing completion. The town centre also benefits from frequent bus and rail services to nearby centres and Birmingham New Street mainline rail station. Over £425m of investment has been delivered in the town centre over the last 15 years across a range of uses including retail, leisure, office, health, education and hotel. Significant further investment is planned, and the Council has ambitious regeneration schemes in and around Saddlers Centre shopping centre, with its direct access to Walsall Railway Station.
In 2019 there were significant improvements to rail services on the Chase line into Walsall and the introduction of direct rail services from Walsall to Birmingham International mainline rail station. Links will be further enhanced through the introduction of passenger services to Wolverhampton, which will also include opening two new stations on the line at Darlaston and Willenhall in 2024. HS2 connectivity will also help to realise growth.
DESCRIPTION
The Walsall Town Centre Masterplan provides a visionary and deliverable framework for physical change in Walsall town centre over the next 15-20 years, underpinned by the Town Centre Area Action Plan and providing a basis for future planning and investment propositions
The Masterplan’s ‘catalytic interventions will tackle the current challenges, enhance Walsall’s significant opportunities and improve the environment within the town centre to create a strong identity and a Walsall experience which will attract private sector investment.
The Connected Gateway project with matched funding from Walsall Council and Future High Streets Fund will deliver two key masterplan interventions; Transforming the Rail Station and Connected Hubs.
These interventions will improve connectivity between the centrally located transport hubs, modernise and re-purpose existing retail space, create a vibrant public space in the heart of the town centre, and attract new leisure and residential uses. The project is currently advancing through RIBA stage 3 with construction works forecast to commence mid-2024.
Furthermore, £21.4m has been secured through the Towns Fund programme to help deliver a variety of projects that are now in development, with urban regeneration, green transport and economic growth outcomes.
There are other development opportunities in the town centre coming forward including sites for residential development close to Walsall Railway Station which would offer conveniently located town centre living.
PROMOTER AND PARTNERSHIPS
The town centre development programme is being led by Walsall Council working closely with existing occupiers and private landowners, and fully supported by key partners West Midlands Combined Authority and Homes England. It also forms part of the Walsall to Wolverhampton Inclusive Growth Corridor.
LOCATION
Walsall town centre is ideally located within the West Midlands region, at the heart of the UK’s Motorway network. The central location of Walsall Railway Station gives convenient links to Birmingham City Centre and further afield. The increase in passenger services to and from the station will further enhance Walsall as a location to invest in and the interventions set out in the Town Centre Masterplan will support future investment.