With £500 million of mostly private sector investment already committed to the town centre by 2010, and emerging proposals for the £400 million Walsall Gigaport ‘office corridor’ scheme, WRC is delivering a near £1 billion regeneration programme.

Dramatic changes are under way within and adjoining the town centre, with significant improvements in Walsall’s retail, culture and leisure offer, better high quality homes, improved healthcare and the development of an office market - all contributing to WRC’s commitment to delivering ‘Walsall, a Town for Enterprise’.

Many of the transformational projects within the Prospectus for Growth are well under way, establishing the groundwork for the emerging rebirth of Walsall as a leading player in the economies of the Black Country and wider West Midlands region.

The granting in October 2008 of outline planning consent for Walsall Gigaport is a genuine milestone. It paves the way for the introduction of a ‘next generation’ technology platform that will act as a magnet for attracting new and emerging industries focusing on a select number of key sectors that are best suited to exploit the advantages offered by fibre optics.

Through Gigaport, and the other initiatives in our Prospectus for Growth, WRC is establishing Walsall at the leading edge of the region’s renaissance laying the foundations for a dynamic, sustainable economy equipped to compete successfully in an increasingly global marketplace.

Walsall will take its place alongside other successful regional centres and developments in the town centre will act as the powerhouse for the regeneration of the borough as a whole.

WRC is continuing to ensure that all the projects demonstrate a clear connectivity, informed by high quality design, an innovative approach to the public realm and best practice internationally.

Walsall First
Construction of £65 million college approaching final stages and on target to open in September 2009. Work to start on new Tesco store before end of 2009.

Walsall Waterfront
£62 million Urban Splash development (Waterfront North) construction started on site in July 2008. £60 million Jessup scheme (Waterfront South) to start on site during 2009. RIBA international architecture competition for Waterfront Lex site; winning design announced in October 2008.

Darlaston SDA
28 acres of developable brownfield land acquired by Advantage West Midlands in December 2007. Pilot remediation of site due to commence in early 2009.

Walsall Gigaport
Outline planning permission secured in October 2008 for development of 1.5m sq ft scheme. Preferred Phase One developer to be appointed during 2009.

St Matthew’s Quarter
Temporary relocation of market commenced November 2008. Masterplan being drawn up for remaining phases of scheme with planning application to be submitted during 2009.

Station Street
Planning permission for £35 million mixed-use scheme expected in November 2008. Work to commence on site before the end of 2009.