Plans approved for shopping centre revamp

The council hopes the redevelopment will increase footfall and support the area's night time economy

Plans have been approved for major remodelling of a shopping centre in the West Midlands.

The Saddlers Centre in Walsall is set to see more lighting and improved accessibility, as well as landscaping work.

Butler's Passage, which has frequently been the focus of anti-social behaviour, will disappear as some buildings are removed to create a larger walkway to connect rail and bus services.

It is hoped the changes would help increase footfall and support the area's night-time economy, the council said.

Proposed improvements to Gallery Square and the canal basin were also presented, forming a wider scheme of improvements planned for Walsall town centre.

"This is a real boost for the future of our town and confidence boost for more investment in the borough," said councillor Adrian Andrew.

"It's important for us to make sure people have a good experience when they come to Walsall so they'll choose to come again."

He added that the council wanted to create an environment in the town that was "vibrant and safe".

Richard Jones, director of Avison Young, the managing and leasing agents of the Saddlers Centre, said the project would help attract new retailers and food and drink firms to the town.

"The project will significantly improve the arrival experience for visitors arriving by public transport and will enhance the quality of the town centre retail and leisure provision," he said.

The council said other schemes that would come to fruition over the next two years included a creative industries enterprise centre in the Guildhall building and an adult learning centre in the former M&S.

There are also plans for a new canal footbridge and improved public spaces at Gallery Square and the canal basin.