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Plans to regenerate eyesore Black Country shopping precinct deemed ‘unviable’

Plans to regenerate Ravenscourt Shopping Centre in Brownhills have been deemed ‘unviable’.

By Rachel Alexander
Published

The eyesore precinct located just off the High Street has fallen into dilapidation over the last decade, attracting vermin and antisocial behaviour.

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Photos taken by LDR Rachel Alexander High street Permission for use for LDR partners
Photos taken by LDR Rachel Alexander High street Permission for use for LDR partners

The majority of the site is owned by Aldi and Walsall Council granted planning permission for the supermarket to redevelop Ravenscourt in 2022.

Photos taken by LDR Rachel Alexander High street Permission for use for LDR partners
Photos taken by LDR Rachel Alexander High street Permission for use for LDR partners

But at the time Aldi had failed to come to an agreement with four remaining owners at the site.

Photos taken by LDR Rachel Alexander High street Permission for use for LDR partners
Photos taken by LDR Rachel Alexander High street Permission for use for LDR partners

In December 2024, Walsall Council said it would ‘back Aldi all the way’ in securing ownership through compulsory purchase powers.

But during last night’s private cabinet session, members approved a report setting out plans to make enquiries to purchase the site.

After the meeting, a spokesperson for the council said: “In 2021 Ravenscourt Shopping Centre was purchased by a business with development plans which the council was supportive of; selling its land within the centre and working with the business to secure any additional land needed for the project.

“However, by 2025 the business confirmed it was not viable for them to continue.”

Aldi’s proposal to transform the site was another ray of hope for the people of Brownhills but it could end up being added to the long list of false dawns for Ravenscourt.

The start of the precinct’s dilapidation began when the existing shops were told to up-sticks due to a multi-million pound Tesco development on the site. The supermarket plans never came to life.

Photos taken by LDR Rachel Alexander High street Permission for use for LDR partners
Photos taken by LDR Rachel Alexander High street Permission for use for LDR partners

In 2018, plans were approved to partially demolish Ravenscourt and create a two-storey building with two retail units and a gym. This project never came to fruition either.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council said the council is ‘not afraid to intervene’ in bringing forward the site’s regeneration.

He said: “Gaining cabinet approval to explore the potential to purchase Ravenscourt is a fantastic step forward.

“The site has been a long‑standing blight on the Brownhills community, and residents have consistently told us they want to see it demolished and transformed into something that creates real opportunities and lasting value for local people.

“While it’s disappointing that previous private‑sector plans did not progress, the council is not afraid to intervene.

“We will use our powers and resources to drive regeneration and ensure sites like this are brought back into meaningful use for the benefit of our communities.”