Big changes are coming to Walsall! A town center regeneration plan has been approved, promising increased safety and appealing aesthetics.
Several Park Street buildings will be torn down to create a brand new town square. Butler’s Passage attracts bad behavior now, and the plan aims to improve that area. Council buildings near the passage will go, giving the town a large, open space.
Demolition could start later this year. The old Foot Locker, Subway, Fonehub, and Card Factory are coming down. The old Foot Locker building has local historical value.
Architects considered working around that building, but flattening it seemed more beneficial overall. They might reuse some old pieces in benches.
The Subway owner opposed the plan, as he bought the business in 2024. Closing will mean a business loss for him.
Walsall College students liked the new plans, though. They think the town center feels unsafe right now and called Butler’s Passage “vomit alley.” Students think the new proposals look nice.
This project lines up with other renovations. Bradford Mall and the old M&S are also being redone. The Guildhall will become a creative center, and they will build a canal footbridge too.
There’s also the “Walsall Active Public Space” project, running at the same time as the gateway project. It includes Walsall Art Gallery’s outdoor area.
The gallery area will get new plants and water features. They will also add event space to the area that can host pop-up events.
Council members really liked the Gateway Project. They voted to approve these plans and several members want Butler’s Passage gone. One said they spent £75,000 on it before.