College plans for former Marks and Spencer store

If approved the buidling will host up to 750 students and 60 staff members

Bold plans to convert a former department store in Walsall town centre will be decided later this week.

Proposals for the former Marks and Spencer building on Park Street will be brought before members of Walsall Council's planning committee on Thursday.

The application from the local authority seeks to convert the store, which closed in 2018, into a new Adult Learning Centre for Walsall College.

If approved, it will host up to 750 students and 60 staff "ensuring the very best student experience".

The 1970s building is located within the Saddlers Centre, and is also set to get a makeover as part of the council's Connected Gateway project.

The council are meeting on Thursday to discuss the plans

The plans indicate that the ground floor will be transformed into a "modern learning environment" with a reception, nine classrooms, ICT suite, lecture theatre, social study area, a café and interview rooms.

The first floor, which will be accessible using stairs and a lift, will have 19 classrooms, social and quiet learning areas, teaching and study pods, plus staff rooms.

Two objections have been received by the council over the proposals on the grounds of loss of privacy for nearby flats and the increase of people loitering around the building.

The proposals have been recommended for approval by the council's planning officers.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.