CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON FIRST STAGE OF WALSALL REGENERATION SCHEME
The first phase of the £40 million St Matthew’s Quarter regeneration scheme in the centre of Walsall is on track for completion and opening next May, Norton & Proffitt Developments Ltd, a joint venture between St Modwen Properties PLC and Goold Estates Ltd, confirmed this week.
Construction is underway by Norwest Holst on a 118,000 sq ft Asda store, a range of shops, 41 apartments and a 1,000-space multi-storey car park, on the cleared site of the former Sainsbury store.
Neal Haywood, of St Modwen, explained that reclamation of the site involved drilling and grouting old limestone mine workings. Work was progressing on laying the foundations for the store, the residential and retail block, and new roads are being built in and around the site.
Dominic Goold, of Goold Estates said: “After having worked on the plans for this development for some years now since we began assembling the site, I am very pleased that construction is well underway. We are on target to open the whole of Phase one, including Asda, in May 2007 and I’m thrilled to see things taking shape so rapidly.”
Meanwhile, a planning application is to be submitted for the next phase of development, comprising 45,000 sq ft of offices in the rear and 50 apartments in the front of the Grade II listed Shannons Mill. The Vine Trust, a charity that works with young people, is considering expanding its Walsall operation by taking new offices in the scheme
The charity is seeking some 20,000 sq ft together with the ability for future expansion for administration purposes.
Derek West, development director of St Modwen, said: “Phase two is an exciting regeneration and re-use of the old Shannon building to create open plan, character offices and apartments, as well as bringing the George Street retail frontage back into use.
“We are also taking to the Vine Trust about a new building within the overall site of Phase two,with a frontage on to Lower Hall Lane. We are very happy to support the Vine Trust in their work.”
There is to be a link through from the mill to George Street and secure parking will be provided for residents.
Coun. Adrian Andrew, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “St Matthew’s Quarter is the first demonstration of the exciting regeneration of the borough which the Council and its partners are driving. We are delighted that the positive partnerships which have been formed are starting to deliver projects of which our community will feel proud.”
The third and final phase of the scheme is likely to be a joint project involving Walsall Council and Threadneedle Properties who own Old Square Shopping Centre and the Arcade.
For further information contact Derek West of St Modwen (0121 222 9400). Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121 236 7771).
