The masterplan is being produced to provide a framework for the development of the town centre over the next 15-20 years and the images show what could be achieved.
Walsall residents have been helping the Council develop a vision for Walsall Town Centre by taking part in an online survey. So far over two thousand people have taken part, and the survey remains open until the end of March.
The survey asks about the shopping habits and leisure pursuits of Walsall people in the context of the changes taking place across the country as the retail sector meets the challenge of online shopping.
The Council are submitting a bid for £10s millions to the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. This is making available an overall sum of £675million to help town centres address the challenges they face. A share of this money can help deliver the wider regeneration of the town centre and the Council is confident that Government will be keen to support its aspirations.
The Council will work with agencies across the borough from both the commercial and voluntary sectors to help shape the final plans for the town centre.
Further resident surveys are also planned as specific proposals come forward in the future.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Adrian Andrew said:
“‘I’ve been heartened by the response from residents who have raised both concerns and positive points that we all recognise. Local people are clearly passionate about their town and the Council is too. The problems Walsall borough faces are not unique but we need to understand them if we’re to move on. There’s a lot of work to do and I hope residents will continue to help us as we create a Borough Centre we can all be proud of.”
In response to the concerns raised, the Council intends to tackle issues that can be addressed in the short-term such as improving cleanliness and security in the town centre and the provision of public conveniences in the town and district centres.
Residents can find out more by logging on to the Council’s web site and searching ‘Walsall Town Centre Masterplan’.
Article credit: Walsall Council