160 new jobs for Walsall thanks to growth fund
Up to 160 jobs will be created in Walsall thanks to the latest round of Growth Deal funding from the Government, council chiefs say.
The £400,000 heading Walsall's way will be used to carry out remediation works on the Lex site on the Waterfront to prepare it for a new commercial development.
Bosses say it is too early to say exactly what will be built on the piece of land, but that up to 140 jobs will be created.
The Growth Deal is part of a long-term plan to devolve at least £12bn from central Government to local economies.
Walsall Council leader Sean Coughlan said: "We're delighted that our Growth Deal for the Black Country will secure significant new investment to boost the Walsall Waterfront development.
"This funding announcement recognises the hard work and commitment by partners across the region in their determination to work together for the benefit of Walsall and the Black Country.
"This is a very exciting time for Walsall town centre and it's another big step towards our ambition to create a lively leisure destination at the Waterfront."
Walsall Waterfront has enjoyed a period of renaissance in recent years, with more than 370 homes being built by developer Jessup at a cost of £45m.
The final 44 units will be completed at the end of 2015 and the £10m Premier Inn Hotel finished in 2012.
In December, developer Kier Property started ground works for its £12m canalside leisure complex which includes an eight screen cinema and six restaurants.
