Major Projects - Canalside Communities

Significant progress has been made on shaping proposals that will link new and existing neighbourhoods alongside Walsall Canal, an historic asset that through sustainable physical regeneration will provide an attractive environment for the creation of new homes that will attract individuals and families to live in the borough.

Sites from the town centre, through Reedswood and beyond to Leamore have the capacity to create more than 1,100 new homes along the canal corridor and will contribute towards the goal of building, on average, 200 new homes each year during WRC’s lifetime.

Creating canalside communities that will breathe new life into under-utilised land is one of the key aims of WRC to revitalise the town and demonstrate early delivery of the transformation set out in the Black Country Study.

Caparo Site, Birchills
A major residential regeneration opportunity across a 16-acre site previously used by Caparo Industries. WRC has worked closely with Harris Lamb, lead consultants for the landowner, and Barratt West Midlands, the preferred developer, to ensure that this scheme incorporates high standards for sustainability and energy conservation. Armstrong Burton Architects have produced the high quality design, working with Walsall Council, CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and MADE (Midlands Architecture and the Designed Environment). The full planning application for this 300 unit scheme is due for submission by March 2008.

Birch Street
SMC Corstorphine & Wright (Architects), Walsall Council, WRC and the developer’s agent have prepared a series of proposals for this 12-acre site. Working closely with local community representatives has resulted in the development of an innovative mix of ‘linked’ public open spaces and housing styles. Consultants have now been appointed to develop a detailed remediation strategy.