Town's massive project to begin

Work will finally start this summer on Walsall's long-awaited Waterfront project - a £60 million regeneration scheme to transform the heart of the town. Advantage West Midlands has approved key funding of £13.8 million.

This is to get the first phase of construction work under way on 2.9 acres of vacant and derelict land around the canalside area.

The AWM funding is expected to trigger a further £50 million of investment from the private sector.

Although a specific date has not been announced, AWM confirmed today that work will start this summer, clearing the site.

The Walsall Waterfront project will provide 103,000 sq ft of offices, 34,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space and 154 apartments.

First phase construction work includes plans for the Oysters buildings as well as a four-storey office building on stilts, commercial buildings and a 'living green' car park. Walsall Council has granted planning permission to the scheme.

It is being developed by Urban Splash and promoted by the Walsall Regeneration Company.

Company chairman Ben Reid said: "This exciting scheme is evidence that we are delivering the major projects that will transform and revitalise Walsall."