A 10-year vision for the development of Willenhall will be laid out in a report to be considered by Walsall Council.
The report stems from the Love Willenhall public engagement in 2021 where the community were asked via surveys to help build a picture of future life in the town.
The survey flagged up multiple concerns within the community, including derelict buildings, poor transport and crime.
The idea is to make Willenhall a more vibrant, healthy and prosperous community, which starts with the introduction of a new train station which will open in 2023.
The official press release states:
“The framework identifies four Areas of Opportunity centred on Moat Street/Villiers Street, the Pinson Road area, land around the site of the new railway station and land to the north of the district centre.
The Areas of Opportunity have been assessed against a series of criteria and are expected to incorporate new housing as well as green space, community facilities and improved walking and cycle routes. The plans will require a phased programme of land acquisition with the first phase to be focused on Moat Street/ Villiers Street. A draft Business Charter has been prepared setting out the Council’s commitment to support businesses that may be impacted by any development proposals.”
Speaking about the framework, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, Cllr Adrian Andrew said:
“The Willenhall Framework Plan aims to have a firm focus on the future of Willenhall, to have the aspiration to become a more vibrant, healthy and prosperous community. Willenhall has a strong identity linked to its proud industrial past including at the heart of the lock making industry. Now is the time to focus on the future, Willenhall’s distinct heritage and mixed land uses presents opportunities to boost housing, create a stronger economy and greener and more sustainable environment”.
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