Update issued on Willenhall Masterplan as derelict buildings sent for demolition still standing
Walsall Council has issued an update on the Willenhall Masterplan, as promises of demolition work have not been fulfilled.
In November 2024, Councillor Adrian Andrew said demolition would start in the Moat Street area of the town in January 2025.
In a recent update, as the eyesore buildings still remained, the deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration said residents will see buildings come down at the ‘end of October, early November’.
With Christmas around the corner, the council has now said buildings will be demolished once sites have been ‘prepared and made safe’.
It said preparation works commenced in October, but work is still needed to clear rubble and remove asbestos.
Several derelict buildings around Moat Street, Villiers Street, New Hall Street, Stafford Street and Temple Bar are all set to be replaced by 107 homes.
The area, just outside Willenhall town centre has been titled as the ‘Locksmith’s Quarter’ by Councillor Andrew.
Freedom of Information figures in June revealed that nearly £1.7million had been spent on the scheme already, as buildings remained standing.
While no demolition has taken place, the council said developer Keepmoat began survey works, clearing up debris and disconnecting utilities in October.
A spokesperson for the authority said: “Keepmoat Homes began preparation works on site in Willenhall from October 2025.
“This work has included survey works, clearing up areas of land to remove debris, erecting hoardings and disconnecting utilities to the buildings.
“Major demolition work takes time and care, especially given the derelict nature of some of the properties.
“There is still work to be done to clear rubble and steel frames, and to remove asbestos. Buildings will start to come down once sites have been prepared and made safe.”
