Walsall Council Banner

Willenhall

Willenhall regeneration area

Project description

Willenhall has avoided the extensive redevelopment that has affected many other settlements in the conurbation. It is widely regarded as one of the most intact and unaltered small town centres in the Black Country. While mainly comprising nineteenth and twentieth century buildings, there are some earlier survivals and the irregular street pattern reflects the town’s medieval origins.

Picture of willenhall

Much of the town centre is a designated conservation area and a £2.1 million bid for Heritage Lottery funding is being prepared with the support of to fund enhancements to local buildings.

As part of the council’s Strategic Regeneration Framework a local Project Reference Group (PRG) has been developed. This group includes local councillors, members of the Local Neighbourhood Partnership and trader, business and community representatives and is supported by council and Walsall Housing Group (WHG) officers. The PRG meets at least bi-monthly and is tasked with helping develop a wide ranging consultation and engagement strategy for all regeneration plans within the area.

Achievements

Development of an Issues Report (Visit Willenhall Area Action Plan)

New major retail and housing proposal:

  • Outline planning permission for a new  45,000 retail superstore (30,000 sqft food), 542 new car park spaces and residential development Up to granted outline consent in Summer 2007.
  • In July 2008 it was confrimed that the superstore would be Morrisons PLC. A reserve matters application has recently been submitted to Walsall Council, this contains detailed store designs and location plans.  

Willenhall community arts project

  • As part of the Morrisons retail store development, Morrisons will be making a contribution towards public art. A meeting will be held on Thursday 15 January 2009, from 6 - 7pm at the Willenhall CHART building Gomer Street, to discuss initial proposals for the scheme
  • An artist will be commisioned shortly to work with the Willenhall community to produce the public art which will be displayed on the rear elevation of the Morrisons store, which faces Wood Street Cemetery.
  • If you would like to get involved in the project please contact the Regeneration team.

District Centre improvements:

  • Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (Supported by English Heritage and SRB) £600,000 plus improvements to buildings and the public realm.
  • War Memorial enhancements - £70,000 improvements.

Investment value

The total Strategic Regeneration Framework redevelopment project is anticipated to cost in excess of £200 million.

This investment will be met through partnership work by Walsall Council, key stakeholders (including Walsall Housing Group) and from the private sector.

Willenhall Memorial Park

Sustainable jobs created

Not known at this stage.

Construction jobs created

Not known at this stage.

Homes created

Not known at this stage.

Commercial/office space created

Not known at this stage.

Timescales

10-15 years

Consultation

View Willenhall Area Action Plan

Useful documents

Useful links

Contact us

Regeneration Delivery Team
Walsall Council
2nd floor, Civic Centre
Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1TP

Telephone 01922 652494
Fax 01922 652535
Email thompsonh@walsall.gov.uk

This page was last updated on 17 February 2010