In a unanimous decision that signals a major boost for the town, Walsall councillors have approved ambitious plans to convert a prominent empty department store into a state-of-the-art Adult Learning Centre.
Unanimous Approval for Town Centre Transformation
Councillors on the planning committee voted unanimously to grant permission for the transformation of the former Marks & Spencer building on Park Street, which has stood vacant since 2018. The decision, made during a meeting on November 28, 2025, was hailed by Council Leader Mike Bird as the 'first step' in regenerating Walsall town centre.
The two-storey 1970s building, located within the Saddlers Centre, will be completely repurposed to create a modern learning environment for Walsall College. Once completed, the facility is expected to welcome over 700 students daily, bringing significant footfall back to this key town centre location.
Addressing Resident Concerns
The planning application wasn't without its objections. Two formal complaints were submitted to the council, primarily concerning loss of privacy for residents in adjacent Station Street flats and potential issues with people loitering around the building.
Councillor John Murray highlighted that under normal circumstances, the council would reject applications allowing direct visibility into bedroom windows. This concern led to a specific condition being added to the planning consent, requiring all existing and new windows to be replaced with one-way privacy glass.
To address the loitering concerns, Councillor Bird suggested practical measures including increasing the height of walls on Station Street or adding anti-loitering spikes. David Moore, Director of Special Programmes at the authority, confirmed the council would "see what can be done" to implement these solutions.
A Catalyst for Wider Regeneration
The approval has been widely welcomed as a crucial development for Walsall's future. Councillor Aftab Nawaz expressed his pleasure with the decision, noting the building had been "an eyesore for some years" and that local residents were becoming "impatient to see real change."
Councillor Mark Statham strongly defended the project, stating: "This is not a gamble. We're talking about a minimum of 750 people on a daily basis. Having people in the area makes it safe and it ticks all the boxes of what we're trying to achieve."
The new Adult Learning Centre will feature extensive facilities including:
- 28 modern classrooms
- A dedicated ICT suite
- A lecture theatre
- Multiple study pods
- Various other learning spaces
The building's transformation forms part of the wider Connected Gateway project, which will also see the Saddlers Centre receive a comprehensive makeover. As Councillor Bird poetically concluded: "The longest journey starts with the first step. This is the first step to the regeneration of Walsall."
