Walsall Town Centre is being transformed as part of the borough’s £1.5billion programme of investment.

The Connected Gateway project, due to start the first phase of construction in spring/summer 2024, will reconfigure the area around Park Street to create a clear walkway between the railway and bus stations.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Walsall Council said; “I’m looking forward to seeing the changes in Walsall town centre start to take shape. These improvements present opportunities for businesses and will boost the local economy, bringing adult learners into the town centre and creating spaces for other non-retail uses that will attract greater footfall, making Walsall a destination of choice “

The Saddlers Centre will receive extensive updates to modernise the space, repurposing the former M&S unit into a town centre adult learning facility in partnership with Walsall College.

The walkway through the mall from the railway station will be straightened up and widened, creating a more attractive arrival experience when stepping off the train in Walsall, and the clear sightline from the railway station to the bus station will help to better link public transport.

Park Street and Gallery Square will both benefit from more greenery, and further plans to improve the public realm and make the town centre more attractive.

The project will help to increase footfall, improve the environment through greenery and high-quality public realm and introduce more opportunities for businesses to boost the economy.

Funded through the Future High Streets fund and investment from Walsall Council, the Connected Gateway project represents £11.4m of the borough’s £1.5billion programme of investment that will create over 4000 jobs and build over 1000 new homes.