Walsall Market revamp may cost £1.75m
Up to £1.75 million could be ploughed into historic Walsall Market under plans to create a new permanent home, it emerged today.
The outlay is £650,000 more than originally planned by council bosses, but they said today they were 'happy' to commit to the investment.
It was initially estimated it would cost around £1.1m for the overhaul of Walsall Market as consultants were brought in to assess the long-term future of the 800 year old pitch.
However, council chiefs are now anticipating it could cost £1.75m to create the improved square and public area for the long-term future.
A feasibility study is being carried out after The Bridge was earmarked as the preferred location. Income from the market could then repay the cost of the investment.
Walsall regeneration chief Adrian Andrew said: "The benchmark figure we have got at the moment, before we have the report from the consultants, is we are looking at about £1.75m. It is an investment and it will encourage shoppers, coupled with Primark coming in and the Co-op, it is going to be an improved market and improved shopping environment."
Councillor Andrew said the cost had gone up once detailed plans were drawn up and quotes for the work began coming in.
He said: "We originally said we would commit £1.1m but but it is a big job so there was a chance the cost could change. We are happy to go with it as we are committed to improving the town centre."
It recently emerged the market will be temporarily split in two from January as part of the multi-million pound transformation of the Old Square Shopping Centre.
Twenty five traders will need to move to pave way for the year-long rebuild of the centre in Digbeth, which will see flagship Primark and Co-op stores open.
