'2026 will bring new housing, new railway stations, more jobs and opportunities': Walsall looks to the future with regeneration projects

Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: “We’re starting 2026 in a really strong position with lots to look forward to across the borough. We’re moving forward with transformative schemes that are already underway, and we’re implementing new frameworks and strategies to build on the incredible progress we’ve already made. 

“2026 will bring new housing, new railway stations, more jobs and opportunities, and the start of the major transformation of Walsall town centre, and much more. It’s a really exciting time for Walsall.”

New employment floorspace will be delivered on various brownfield sites across the borough in 2026 and beyond, including units on the landmark scheme SPARK, by the M6 Junction 10. The sites will create vital opportunities for employment and business, turning disused brownfield land into high-spec hubs for logistics and warehousing.

The Walsall town centre ‘Connected Gateway’ programme will continue in earnest in early 2026, starting with demolition in Park Street to create an open sightline between the rail and bus stations. 

Improvements will be made to Gallery Square and the canal basin and the Saddlers Centre renovation will continue, creating more opportunities for town centre retail, leisure and dining.

As part of this, the Adult Learning Centre in the former Marks & Spencer store is on track to open in September 2027.

The Guildhall is due to reopen in summer 2026 after extensive and careful restoration. The Grade II-listed building will be a hub of creativity, offering space for makers and artists to build and grow their creative businesses and access quality equipment.

Building of new homes in Willenhall by Keepmoat Homes Ltd will begin following demolition of a swathe of derelict buildings. More than two hectares of land was acquired by Walsall Council in 2025 after a complex Compulsory Purchase Order process and many of the sites held existing structures which were in a poor condition and subject to anti-social behaviour. 2026 will see significant change in the area as structures are demolished to make way for quality new homes.

The new railway stations in Willenhall and Darlaston are set to open in 2026 and will improve connectivity for residents, bringing rail connections back to communities for the first time in 60 years.

Heading into 2026, Walsall Council is preparing its Walsall Borough Local Plan following consultation with residents - while moving forward with implementation of its new Town Centre Framework and Housing Strategies which will help to shape how and where future developments happen across the borough to build a Walsall that works for local communities.