Walsall Council has unveiled a comprehensive 15-year blueprint to radically reshape the heart of the town, with work set to begin as early as next year. The Walsall Town Centre Framework, approved on 10 December 2025, maps out a transformative journey from 2026 through to 2040, focusing on five designated 'opportunity areas'.
The Five Pillars of Regeneration
The ambitious plan targets five distinct zones for major redevelopment: the Waterfront, Station Quarter, Park Place and Connected Gateway, the Civic Quarter, and Old Square and High Street. This follows significant investment already secured through the £21.3 million Walsall Town Deal, the £11.4 million Future High Streets Fund, and the £20 million Walsall Community Regeneration Partnership.
Future proposals are wide-ranging, including plans for up to 670 new homes, the introduction of recreational kayaking in the canal basin, and the potential relocation of the Walsall Arena into the former Park Place Shopping Centre – the ex-Wilko store which closed in 2023.
Detailed Plans for Key Zones
Starting with the Waterfront, the council envisions a new mixed-use neighbourhood on a 1.5-hectare site. This includes at least 150 new homes at Waterside Point and aims to work with the Canal and River Trust to upgrade berthing facilities and introduce activities like kayaking.
The Station Quarter is slated for up to 350 homes, with proposals to create a high-quality frontage on Station Street. This will incorporate the Grade II listed 22-24 Station Street into a development of apartments and townhouses. A small open space, Waterfront South, could be transformed into a 'destination' playground.
Perhaps the most striking change is planned for Park Place and Connected Gateway. Demolition of two buildings south of Butler’s Passage is expected to start in January 2026, opening up space for events. The former Park Place Shopping Centre is being considered as a new home for the Walsall Arena and Arts Centre, subject to a feasibility study. Furthermore, the old Marks & Spencer will become a new Adult Learning Centre, opening in 2027.
Revitalising the Civic Heart and Historic Core
The Civic Quarter, home to the Gala Swimming Baths and Town Hall, could see between 25 and 120 new homes. With the Gala Baths nearing the end of its operational life, the council will explore retrofitting or relocating the popular facility. Plans also include bringing the Town Hall back into use and boosting the nearby pub and bar scene on Leicester and Darwall Streets.
Finally, the Old Square and High Street area will focus on revitalising the market, the Old Square Shopping Centre, and the Victorian Arcade. The large shopping centre, previously anchored by Debenhams, is identified as a potential new home for the Gala Baths if relocated, or for high-quality 'later living' accommodation. The market will be reimagined with pop-up stalls and an enhanced year-round events programme. The Grade II listed Guildhall will also become a Creative Industries Enterprise Centre.
Deputy Leader and regeneration portfolio holder, Councillor Adrian Andrew, stated: "The Walsall Town Centre Framework sets out our transformative roadmap to reimagine our town centre as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable destination. Aligned with our We Are Walsall 2040 strategy, this Framework outlines how we will deliver change over the next 5, 10, and 15 years."
He extended an invitation to partners and stakeholders to help deliver a vision that ensures "Walsall borough thrives for generations to come."
