Draft images revealed of Walsall Saddlers Centre

Draft images have been revealed that show how the Walsall Saddlers Centre could look following redevelopment.Walsall is in the middle of a £1.5bn programme of investment to transform the borough.Under the Walsall Towns Fund, the town centre will be revamped over the coming years.Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: “These draft images are a good example of the ambition that we have for the town centre and it’s great to be able to bring our residents along on this journey by sharing a glimpse into how the Saddlers Centre might look.”The aim is to improve the arrival experience into Walsall and provide a connected gateway that links the railway station and bus station, making it easier and more appealing to travel into and out of the town centre. We are working with partners and stakeholders to turn these plans into reality; there is lots to look forward to.”Walsall has been awarded £23.5m from the government’s Town Deal Fund and £750,000 of Accelerated Funds, in addition to the Future High Streets Funding for the Connected Gateway project transforming the Saddlers Centre, which has allowed the council to begin work on improving the built environment.Plans include planting more trees, improving the arrival experience for public transport users and diversifying the town centre in a move away from retail focused uses.Melvin Glasby, Saddlers Centre manager, said: “It’s great to see the plans being brought to life in this way and it gives residents a feel for what they can expect in the coming months and years.”The plans will help transform Walsall town centre, making it a place where people are proud to live, work and spend time.”We know that we need to diversify our town centres away from a retail focus and these plans will enable us to focus on other uses for our town centre space.”