Demolition begins in controversial £40 million Walsall 'gateway' project

Demolition work has begun on a controversial £40 million scheme to create a new pedestrian link between Walsall’s main shopping street and the town’s bus and railway stations.

Workers have started clearing buildings around Butler’s Passage to create a new public piazza linking Park Street to the bus and railway stations.

Walsall Council says the Connected Gateway scheme, backed with £11.4 million from central government, will revitalise the town centre by creating a more welcoming environment to visitors.

But some have expressed sadness at the loss of a red-brick locally listed building, dating back to 1929, and there has been criticism about the cost of the scheme and the disruption to businesses.

The council said the work marked an important milestone in the long-term regeneration of the town centre, creating improved public spaces and better connectivity for residents, visitors and businesses.

A number of heritage features from the site have been removed and placed into storage, to ensure the area's history continues to be recognised as the work progresses.

Councillor Nicky Barker, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: "It's fantastic to see demolition now underway as another key milestone in the Connected Gateway scheme. While regeneration of this scale can inevitably bring some temporary disruption, every stage of the project is moving us closer to a more attractive, better connected town centre.

“Once complete, these improvements will help create a town centre that people can be proud of and one that supports businesses, encourages investment and benefits everyone who lives, works and visits Walsall."

The work is being carried out on behalf of the council by Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands.

Acting managing director Tony Shenton said: “We are delighted to be working with Walsall Council to help deliver this important stage of the Connected Gateway scheme, supporting its wider vision for a more accessible, welcoming and better-connected town centre.

“These works will improve links between key transport hubs, enhance the experience for residents, visitors and businesses, and play an important role in attracting footfall, supporting local growth and helping Walsall realise its long-term regeneration ambitions.”

Ecological surveys have also now been completed, allowing the project to move forward while ensuring environmental considerations have been fully addressed.

Water jets will be used to minimise the impact of dust during demolition works.

Butler's Passage is scheduled to reopen to the public at the end of September, with a temporary tarmacadam surface installed to provide safe access while work continues elsewhere on the site to improve pedestrian movement through the town.

The Connected Gateway scheme forms part of Walsall Council's wider programme of regeneration, improving links across the town centre and creating public spaces to support economic growth and make the area more welcoming and accessible.

The town centre developments are part of Walsall borough’s £1.5billion programme of investment, aiming to create opportunities for local people, improve accessibility and transport, and build more homes.