Walsall Market 'in need of a revamp'
Long-overdue investment needs to be ploughed into Walsall Market in order to bring it into the 21st century, independent experts have found.
Improved stalls, a mix of traders and better signage are needed to upgrade the historic pitch in the heart of the town. Consultants GVA have been brought in to analyse the market as part of moves to find a new permanent home for stalls. A report is due to be drawn up later this year but observations have been reported to Walsall Council bosses.
The initial findings are being presented to the community services scrutiny panel next week and state: "It is clear the existing market is long overdue investment and upgrading.
"The initial stalls on approach from all directions are not great, other than down Park Street. There is little in the way of effective signage or information share. Entrance points to the market are visually poor due to the condition of the stalls."
Other concerns have been raised about limited catering, basic shopper facilities and lack of different stalls.
However, the market has been found to be popular, have a large number of stalls and offer quality fresh produce. It comes as Walsall Council is reviewing its markets including the town centre, Willenhall and Bloxwich.
Stalls at the main Walsall Market are currently temporarily based in Digbeth but bosses need to establish a fixed position in the heart of the borough for the 100-stall event. Stallholders will need to be moved as part of plans for the multi-million pound transformation of the Old Square Shopping Centre with the building of Primark due to begin in the new year.
