Image from go.walsall.gov.uk
People of Walsall are set to benefit from a transformative programme of regeneration and growth in their community with £20 million of government funding confirmed on Monday 3 March.
As part of the national Plan for Change to ensure people in every corner of the country benefit from the government’s ambitious growth agenda, Walsall’s local leaders have been working closely with the Department on the Community Regeneration Partnership programme to develop a bespoke package of funding that will kickstart a range of projects to boost the community, tackle local issues and address inequalities.
The town centre will be at the epicentre of driving growth for Walsall, with a crackdown on crime including improved CCTV and creation of a Youth Hub that will provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to tackle the root causes of anti-social behaviour.
And to encourage footfall to the town centre, the Healthy High Street Team will promote business engagement, increase activities and events to revive community spirit and boost the local economy.
Funding to expand the Connected Gateway development will improve accessibility and active movement through new outdoor gym equipment, enhanced pedestrian and cycle paths and create a more welcoming route to the town centre with more green spaces, improved signage and new public art.
To break down barriers to opportunity and put more cash in people’s pockets, a range of community hubs and resource centres will be created and enhanced to support upskilling local people, meeting gaps in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision and expanding the workforce into new and emerging sectors.
These hubs will also support the government’s wider ambition to focus on preventative and community-led health solutions education on specific issues, such as mental health clubs and domestic abuse prevention. And as part of a drive to improve efficiency and value for money in public services, funding will provide space in the town centre to deliver health and diagnostic services to reduce pressure on the NHS.
Treasured community assets will be saved and the leisure and retail offer in the town centre improved by unlocking future development of the Park Place Shopping Centre and Walsall Waterfront site, boosting the local economy through upgrading the market offer – all of which will protect the unique character and heritage of Walsall.
“ Growth is the government’s priority and we want every person and community across the country to be part of this. The regeneration and improvements coming to Walsall will really put this town at the forefront of our decade of national renewal.
With this £20 million package we are tackling issues that really matter to the region, rather than a one-size fits all approach, this tailored package will guarantee long-term, sustainable growth that means more money in people’s pockets as promised in our Plan for Change. “
Alex Norris, Local Growth Minister
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
“ It is great news that the Government has confirmed this funding through the Community Regeneration Partnership. Walsall Council is proud to be working in partnership with MHCLG to deliver a healthier and more prosperous future for Walsall Town Centre.
The 15 new projects that this funding will support align with our vision for a thriving, inclusive and sustainable borough by 2040, as set out in our We Are Walsall 2040 plan. The projects will help us to create opportunities, boost the local economy, improve health outcomes for local people and take back our streets. I look forward to seeing these projects take shape over the coming months. “
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader
Walsall Council