Work to start on Bradford Mall Redevelopment

Work is due to start on the transformation of Walsall Town Centre with the first phase of work to renovate the downstairs area of the Saddlers Centre starting this month.

The downstairs area, known as Bradford Mall, will be renovated to let in more light, refurbish the escalators and add an additional staircase. The rear entrance by the Bradford Place bus station will also be refurbished.

Midlands-based contractor, Speller Metcalfe, has been appointed to carry out the Bradford Mall phase of works, which include new lighting installation, new shop surrounds to existing shop fronts and other upgrade works.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council, said: “It’ll be great to get spades in the ground in the town centre and see the scheme start to progress. A more accessible, attractive town centre will drive footfall and create more opportunities for leisure, business and adult learning.”

The works will be completed in phases to minimise disruption to the local community. Businesses in the Saddlers Centre will still be able to operate as normal, with a lot of work scheduled to take place outside of business hours, and access to the train station will be maintained.

Matthew Bailey, Director at Speller Metcalfe said: “We’re pleased to be starting work on the transformation of Walsall Town Centre through the Bradford Mall redevelopment. We recognise how much of an impact these upgraded facilities will have on the Walsall Community.”

The town centre developments are part of Walsall Borough’s £1.5billion programme of investment, aiming to create opportunities for local people, improve accessibility and transport and build more homes.

In 2021, Walsall secured funding of £11.4M from the Future High Street Fund and together with further investment from Walsall Council, the Connected Gateway scheme will be delivered as part of the Town Centre Master Plan.