400 jobs on way in revamp

Around 400 jobs would be created as part of the £70million regeneration of a former Willenhall lockmakers site.

A three-year masterplan for flats, a supermarket, petrol station and houses has won the support of Walsall Council planning bosses who detailed the job hopes for the first time last night.

Willenhall Regeneration Company bosses want to transform the town's historic Yale factory in Wood Street, which closed in 2005, into 47 flats and 24 homes. 

The outline application also includes development of land around the site including Upper Lichfield Street, Lower Lichfield Street, Walsall Street and Clemson Street car park.

The firm wants to create a 75,000 sq ft supermarket and 542-space car park and preliminary discussions have already taken place with major retailers.

The outline proposals, which include a new link road, went before the council's development control committee last night and were supported. 

A full planning application will need to be submitted and the Secretary of State will have the final say.

Committee chairman Mike Bird said: "It is good to see people wanting to invest in the borough."