Date set for first stage of town's £1.5bn revamp

Walsall's Saddlers Centre will be regenerated under the plans

Work on a major part of a £1.5bn project to regenerate a town centre is set to get underway at the start of 2026.

The Town Centre Connected Gateway will see Walsall's Saddlers Centre overhauled and a clearer link created between the rail and bus stations.

Early work on the shopping centre is set to be completed this autumn before more extensive renovation work will begin at the start of next year.

A spokesperson for Walsall Council said the project would help diversify the town centre, moving away from it having a focus on retail.

The plans will see Park Street opened up, creating a clear sight-line from the railway station entrance through to the bus station, they added.

More greenery will be planted, walkways will be resurfaced and the Saddlers Centre will be revamped into a light, modern and welcoming space, under the plans.

The deputy leader of Walsall Council, Adrian Andrew, said the project would make visitors to the town "feel safe, happy and healthy"

The deputy leader of the authority, Adrian Andrew, said: "What we need to do is change our town centre because people aren't just coming to town centre to shop for retail.

"So we've got to bring leisure, we've got to bring education and other reason for people to come into the town centre.

"We're working with our partners and the community to build a better future for Walsall town centre where people feel safe, happy and healthy and where there are ample opportunities to live, work and spend time."

According to the council, Walsall College is planning to take on the former Marks and Spencer store to bring a brand new adult learning facility into the town centre.

The authority is also working with the Canal and River Trust to improve the canal basin in the town to encourage boaters and make better use of the waterfront area.