PLANS SUBMITTED FOR NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENT IN WALSALL TOWN CENTRE
Norton and Proffitt Developments, the joint venture between St. Modwen and Goold Estates Ltd, has submitted a planning application in November for a landmark retail and leisure development in Walsall town centre totalling nearly 90,000 sq ft.
The proposed development is the latest stage of Norton and Proffitt’s £90 million St Matthew’s Quarter regeneration scheme which is transforming the southern end of High Street into a vibrant shopping destination.
Anchored by the existing Asda store, the new scheme will boast an 11,930 sq ft restaurant plus space for 11 shops on the ground and mezzanine floors and will be located adjacent to the 1,000 space multi storey car park.
Norton & Proffitt has decided to submit the planning application following an encouraging response to the scheme from retailers and from Walsall Council, with a 10,600 sq ft shop already under offer.
St. Modwen development surveyor Mark Watkins said: “This exciting new 90,000 sq ft retail and leisure development marks the next stage in achieving our vision for Walsall town centre. Fronting the existing square, the modern units and restaurant will provide shoppers with an improved shopping experience.”
Dominic Goold, of Goold Estates, added: “Combined with the Asda, apartments and the Goldmine youth centre, this next phase of the St. Matthew’s Quarter project will continue to provide a tremendous boost to the transformation of this area of Walsall into a 21st century retail and leisure destination.”
Councillor Adrian Andrew, portfolio holder for regeneration for the Walsall Council coalition and deputy leader, said: “This is fantastic news for Walsall and is another piece of the jigsaw in the overall regeneration of our borough. It’s another confidence boost for Walsall town centre we look forward to this getting off the ground.”
The St. Matthew’s Quarter regeneration scheme has already delivered a new Asda and 41 new apartments at Shannon’s View, while the £2.7 million Goldmine youth training centre in Lower Hall Lane opened in August 2012. The 20,000 sq ft purpose built property was created for The Vine Trust Goldmine and includes training rooms, a library, offices and multipurpose space for public performances. It will house the new Walsall Studio School from 2013.
