Latest News - Press Release
EXCITING CANALSIDE SCHEME AT WATERFRONT SOUTH - 1st April 2007
Walsall Regeneration Company has welcomed an exciting scheme to redevelop land at Waterfront South for new homes, offices and leisure uses to help create a vibrant canalside quarter.
Staffordshire based developer Jessup has submitted a detailed planning application for the town centre development, which consists of 360 apartments and houses, a 4800 sq m office block plus twin deck parking and commercial space for offices, restaurants and café bars.
The scheme designed by S P Faizey Architects features ‘wave form’ curved apartment buildings in vibrant colours. It is also proposed to widen and resurface the canal towpath, and install new lighting, to provide a safe and attractive walkway as a pedestrian link from the town centre to the Manor Hospital. Other improvements proposed include a tree lined pedestrian boulevard, linking Charles Street with the towpath, and a new pedestrian bridge to give access to the north side of the canal.
Dr Peter Cromar, chief executive of Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC), said: “This exciting scheme for Waterfront South is another important step in transforming Walsall as a town for enterprise and evidence that real change is underway. We are delighted that a local developer is driving the project. Jessup is engaging fully with the diverse communities of Walsall and encouraging them to make the most of the training and employment opportunities which the development will offer.
“WRC has been involved with Jessup from an early stage to ensure it is a well designed and sustainable project that fits our vision of a revitalised Walsall. Jessup has learned from international best practice and applied it to this scheme. They joined our study trip to see how successful regeneration projects in Germany have delivered major social and economic benefits to Dusseldorf and Dortmund.
“Jessup’s Waterfront South scheme will provide a mix of homes and offices which will contrast with and complement other Waterfront schemes and create a vibrant waterside quarter. These major developments, together with the new Manor Hospital, represents a £225 million vote of confidence in the future of Walsall.”
British Waterways West Midlands regional planner Andrew Tyrer said: “British Waterways welcomes the proposed development of Waterfront South as it represents a significant stage in the continued regeneration of Walsall and in the renaissance of the Walsall Town Arm Canal. The scheme will act as a catalyst for the future development of canal-based recreation and leisure activities.
“British Waterways is delighted to be working in partnership with Walsall Regeneration Company, Walsall Council and Jessup as this is an exciting opportunity to enhance Walsall Waterfront and the waterway.”
Ends
Caption: An impression of the proposed ‘wave form’ curved apartment buildings with their vibrant colours that will transform the canalside area at Walsall’s Waterfront South.
For further information please contact Nigel Pipkin or Lorna Bishop at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780 or email nigelpipkin@sealcommunications.co.uk