Major Projects - Office Corridor & Walsall Gigaport

The most important of the eight strategic transformational projects within the WRC Prospectus for Growth, the Office Corridor has the potential over time to create up to 3,200 jobs, retain and attract new commercial enterprises to the town and establish Walsall and the West Midlands as a leader in the operation and development of IT related services.

An outline planning application, for an area the majority of which is located adjacent to the northern ring road, was submitted by WRC in December 2007. The Office Corridor will, through the use of ‘next generation broadband’ and fibre optic technology, encourage the development of innovative start-up companies working in sectors such as digital content creation, software development and IT-related services. It will also enhance the attractiveness of new residential developments, such as at Waterfront, through the provision of enhanced interactive services-to-the-home, as well as promoting e-learning and on-line access.

Phase One of the Office Corridor will see the creation of the ambitious ‘Walsall Gigaport’. Key components will include a ‘Walsall Hub’ data centre, a Business Centre comprising offices and incubator units, the ‘One Gigaport’ office complex and intervening public spaces.

The Walsall Hub will act as the focus for the development and co-location of IT-based industries in the Walsall area, also providing national and international connectivity. The establishment of a ‘green’ data centre with a lower than usual carbon footprint will stimulate IT-based economic activity, thereby driving forward the regeneration process.

The Business Centre will provide high quality accommodation that will attract inward investment. The incubator units will ensure that ideas developed in local colleges and universities can develop into thriving businesses within Walsall.

One Gigaport will be immediately south of the data centre and business centre. The site is bounded on three sides by the new Walsall College, the railway and the ring road.

It is anticipated that Phase One will create 635 jobs and that the data and business centres will be operational by 2010. The scheduling of subsequent phases has not yet been determined.

Click Here for development opportunities