Dozen Walsall shop units snapped up in weeks
A dozen shop units have been snapped up in Walsall in just six weeks - amid a surge in demand to trade in the town.
It comes after a critical report from the Local Data Company which said around 28 per cent of properties are empty.
Council bosses in the town have already hit back at the figures stating some have been unoccupied due to regeneration works.
The welcoming of big names to the town such as Primark has been hailed for helping to draw retailers into the town.
The dozen new businesses between August and mid-September included Crystal Ship Tattoo, Bradford Street, Love Ink, Park Place Arcade and De-code, Saddlers Centre.
A report to the Walsall South area panel has revealed businesses have been keen to snap up units - with more expected to be filled in the near future.
Area manager John Morris said: "I'm pleased to report that Saddlers Centre will very soon have 100 per cent occupancy as does Jerome Retail Park and Crown Wharf – the Victorian Arcade have told me that they also have tenants lined up for all of their vacant units as have Park Place.
"Within the past six weeks we have seen over 12 new businesses opening in the town which along with all the regeneration is a very promising sign."
It is the latest boost to the town which is benefitting from regeneration work which includes the first town centre cinema in almost a decade.
Deputy council leader Adrian Andrew said: "It is a show of confidence for Walsall. It is good for Walsall and a renaissance in the town.
"With Primark coming to the town it increases the footfall. Businesses can take advantage of that."
The Saddlers Shopping Centre which is run by Topland has managed to secure national retailers such as Costa, Ryman, F.Hinds jewellers and Blue Inc over the last few years.
Earlier this year it also kick-started a Food Hub in the centre when it signed up fast food operator Burger King.
The walk-in-centre is due to relocate to the old Argos building by the end of the year where TJ Hughes is taking up a majority of the space.
It comes as the Old Square shopping centre is getting a major £21m revamp which has already seen discount fashion chain Primark open up for business.
