Plans for town centre public area revealed

The work will focus around the northern end of Park Street and its link to Gallery Square

Drawings showing planned improvements to Walsall's town centre have been published.

Walsall Council said the aim was to create "more attractive, greener and more open and inviting space around Gallery Square and Park Street".

It said the plans were part of a wider £1.5bn transformation programme, partly funded by the government's Town Deal fund.

The council's associate leader, Adrian Andrew, said the work was "much needed" and would bring more people to the town centre.

He also said the changes would make the area more accessible and create extra opportunities for businesses.

In partnership with Canal and River Trust, the canal basin will be improved and last autumn planning permission was granted for a new footbridge to link the canal side with the town centre.

The work is being partly funded by the government's Town Deal

The new public space will focus around the northern end of Park Street and its link to Gallery Square.

The council said it was working with consultants to create a "stronger connection between the High Street, The New Art Gallery, Canal Basin and local restaurant and entertainment facilities".

The council said the changes would bring more people to the town centre