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Walsall 'buzzing' as complex takes shape

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'Vibrant, buzzing and exciting' is how Walsall's regeneration chief has described the town and borough, following the announcement of another big name to sign up to the area.

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Deputy leader and councillor for regeneration Mohammad Nazir has said he is 'excited for the future of the borough' after KFC confirmed it would be opening in the town centre.

A string of national restaurants have snapped up spaces as part of a multi million regeneration project in Walsall and Councillor Nazir said he hopes to make the town into one that people look forward to visiting.

He said: " I am exciting by the latest news, we want big companies to invest in our area. I want to see a town centre where people can enjoy their shopping and what the town has to offer. Walsall is fast becoming a vibrant, buzzing and exciting 21st Century town."

The new KFC will open in Park Street and is expected to create up to 30 jobs.

Mr Nazir said: "The main outcome of all the regeneration across the borough is more job opportunities in the area. The new businesses coming to the town as part of the regeneration are bringing jobs and helping the economy and I welcome that. "

A main part of the revamp of the town is the multimillion pound Walsall Waterfront leisure complex.

Work is expected to start within weeks on the £12 million town centre leisure development with the first phrase of the regeneration project expected to be completed by summer 2015.

The work on the site near to the New Art Gallery, will create around 230 jobs.

Restaurants confirmed to be part of the complex include Pizza Express, Bella Italia, Hungry Horse and Chiquito.

Light Cinema were confirmed for the canalside complex earlier this year and developers Kier Property have a string of companies interested with more units expected as part of second phase.

It has been 20 years since Walsall town centre has had a cinema after ABC closed in Park Street in 1993. Light will have at least eight screens and will be a key feature of the development.

Councillor Nazir said: " I am fully assigned to encouraging big names all around the borough. We have Primark, the Waterfront, and plans are in the pipeline to develop the site near to Tesco so watch this space. I want Walsall to be a place people are proud of."