Proposals to redevelop part of the Old Square Shopping Centre
and create a new heart to Walsall's retail core have been given the
backing of Walsall Council's planning committee.
The plans include the demolition of the empty Tesco Metro store
and other units to make way for a new scheme that will revitalise
shopping in Walsall.
The new development is set to create three new retail units,
including a new two-storey Primark on Digbeth, a four-storey
building that will be occupied by Mid Counties Co-op and have
commercial space above, plus a third retail unit inside the Old
Square Shopping Centre.
The planning committee moved to support the application with the
detail of planning conditions to now to be finalised by
officers.
John Percy, from DTZ, the agents acting on behalf of the owners
of the Old Square Shopping Centre, said: "We are very excited about
this development, and the grant of planning consent is another
major milestone in moving the scheme on. Work has already started
on the demolition of the former Overstrand restaurant, which is
being met with universal support, and we look forward to starting
the rest of the development works. This will be a fantastic project
for the town."
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council deputy leader and
cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is excellent news.
It's the latest chapter in wider investment in Walsall town centre
and will see millions of pounds more of investment pumped into
Walsall town centre and scores of new jobs created. This shows that
Walsall town centre is a place to invest and do business.
"These things do not just happen. There's been a lot of hard
work all round from positive policies of the administration,
negotiations involving the leadership of the council coupled with
the vision of the owners of the Old Square Shopping Centre who must
be congratulated for securing tenants and showing clear faith in
our town."
The new buildings will provide stunning additions to Walsall and
will be built using materials that will complement the existing
buildings along Bridge Street, whilst bringing in an exciting
contemporary feel ideally suited to high quality retail.
With planning permission now to be issued, the development team
is working towards opening the new stores in autumn 2013 with work
on demolition of the site due to start early next year. The
owners will provide details of the various stages as they progress.
The first stage of development, a three week programme of works
to demolish the Overstrand Bridge, is already underway with the
bridge scheduled to be taken down on Sunday August 28 and Monday
August 29.