Property Archives - Pioneer Magazines

Fingerpost pub in Pelsall available to let

Admirable Taverns is looking for a new manager to run the Fingerpost pub in Pelsall.

Situated next the Wyrley and Essington Canal, the tenancy agreement will require an initial investment of £15,000, which includes a £5,000 security deposit, £5,000 working capital and £5,000 stock.

Annual rent costs are £28,000 per year.

From the Admiral Taverns website:

“The Fingerpost stands as a distinctive detached establishment, nestled in a picturesque canal-side setting on the outskirts of Walsall. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a convenient front car park, offering ease of access. Step through the inviting front door, and you’ll find yourself in a spacious, open-plan bar area featuring a generously sized bar counter. This seamlessly transitions into a cosy, intimate dining section before leading you further into the heart of the establishment – the expansive main dining room. Here, the space opens up to reveal a splendid, elevated decked area, partially covered, which offers great views of the tranquil canal.

Positioned in close proximity to the main A5 route, connecting the M6 to Cannock and Walsall, The Fingerpost enjoys an ideal location for attracting passing travellers. Moreover, its longstanding presence in the area ensures a steady stream of loyal patrons from both the local community, drawn to its inviting ambiance for casual dining, and those seeking a welcoming spot to enjoy their favourite beverages.”

Interested parties can register their interest here > https://www.admiraltaverns.co.uk/pubs/fingerpost-walsall/

Suspected Bomb In Walsall Turns Out To Be A Metal Pole

Contractors working at a factory unit on the Westgate Trading Estate in Aldridge, Walsall, made an urgent call to the police just before 13:00 GMT on Tuesday, expressing concerns about a possible unexploded bomb.

Westgate Industrial Estate (Google image)

In response, the site underwent a swift evacuation, and a safety cordon was promptly established while a specialised bomb disposal team arrived at the scene.

Following a thorough examination, law enforcement later confirmed the true identity of the object that had raised alarm.

According to a spokeswoman for the West Midlands force, “We were alerted to a potential unexploded device by contractors working at a factory unit on an industrial estate in Aldridge just before 1 pm today. A cordon was put in place, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal experts attended, determining the item to be a metal pole.”

Lidl Warehouse in Walsall Closing With 100 Jobs At Risk

100 workers at Walsall’s Lidl Warehouse in Talbot Close, Bloxwich are at risk of losing their jobs following an announcement from the supermarket giant that it will be closing down.

Due to no longer meeting “operation requirements” the Lidl warehouse will close in 12 months’ time with the company attempting to arrange alternative employment at other sites for its staff.

Speaking to The Grocer, a spokesperson for Lidle said: “Since 2008, our Walsall facility has been a key support function for our stores and distribution centres.

“However, the site itself is not purpose-built having been constructed around 50 years ago and, with multiple buildings of varying ages, it is no longer able to meet our operational requirements.

“With regret, we are proposing the closure of this location with a view to consolidating operations within our newer warehouse facilities nearby.

The news follows confirmation that a new Lidl supermarket is due to be built in Walsall Wood on the grounds of the Horse & Jockey pub.

First Pictures of Walsall’s Guildhall

Following on from the news that the Guildhall in Walsall will be transformed into a creative hub, the Council has released some digital designs showcasing what it may look like once complete.

Work on transforming the historic Grade II listed building begins in the Spring with £1.8 million set aside from the Government’s Town Deal Fund to bring the building back into use.

Alongside a gallery area, a café and conference facilities, the new space will also feature a courtyard and spaces that local creative industries can use.

New designs for the Guildhall, give us an insight on what it could look like with digital images showing the café area and courtyard.

“These new images really bring the project to life and it’s exciting to see the plans coming together,” said Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration
Walsall Council.

“This project is a great example of how we can diversify town centre buildings away from retail offerings, to provide facilities that will help local people access resources to build creative businesses.”

“Walsall is a hub of creativity and with the right facilities, there is real opportunity and scope to support and grow talent within the borough. We acknowledge the need to move away from retail purposes for our town centre buildings and I think that once it’s up and running the Creative Centre will be a hive of activity.”

The transformation of the building is part of a wider project by Walsall Council, which sees multiple investments and regeneration plans across the borough.

Black Country Saddlery To Be Transformed Despite Petitions

Two petitions aimed at preventing planning permission to convert the former Black Country Saddlery building on Wednesbury Road haven’t prevented the renovation from getting the green light.

Following a proposal by Keystone Homes Ltd to turn the property into an assisted living facility for vulnerable people, 220 signatures were gathered by campaigners who were concerned about crime, privacy for nearby residents and other issues if planning was to go ahead.

“Enough is enough. We already have the Glebe Centre, YMCA hostels, a Big Help hostel, a traveller transit site, drug rehabilitation centre, a probation centre and a domestic violence refuge all within a one mile stretch of one another”, said local campaigner Karl Moseley.

The new facility, which will consist of 11 one-bedroom flats, including two rooms for staff, will be run by the charity Aspire Living.

“The facility will cater for people whom require help excluding high risk individuals,” reads the initial application. “None of the tenants are on drug abuse or any other addiction.”

Bloxwich Post Office Reopens On The High Street

The new post office in Bloxwich has now opened following its relocation to 137 High Street, which also serves as the home to Trade World (Home Bargains Ltd).

Previously located at Market Place, which is now being turned into a digital support centre, the post office has two screened positions and a retail counter.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm; Saturday: 9am – 4pm with roadside parking available on the opposite side of the road for a limited amount of time. Dedicated disabled parking is available in Market Place.

Kulwant Dosanjh, Post Office Network Provision Lead, said: “We are delighted to have restored Post Office service to Bloxwich as we know how important a Post Office is to a community.”

Walsall Guildhall To Be Transformed Into A Creative Hub

A transformative initiative to establish a vibrant Creative Industries Centre within the historic Guildhall building in Walsall has been given approval by Walsall Council.

In collaboration with the non-profit organization Urban Hax, the Grade II listed building, the adjacent former police station and related properties will be transformed into a multifaceted centre.

The space will include a café, gallery areas, conference facilities, and dedicated zones equipped with machinery for local makers and creative industries to utilise. Preliminary work has already been completed, involving the interior removal of structures in preparation for finalising the centre’s layout. The ambitious project aims to attract approximately 50 companies spanning five floors.

The transformation will encompass the installation of new windows, refurbishments, and the addition of lifts to establish the Creative Industries Enterprise Centre. While concerns about flooding and drainage have been raised, officials assert that these issues can be effectively addressed through appropriate planning conditions.

During the consultation phase, the proposal encountered no objections from key agencies, residents, or business owners in the vicinity. Securing funding of approximately £5.5 million from the Arts Council and the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport, the initiative is actively seeking additional grants to support its implementation.

The sensitive restoration and conversion is expected not only to preserve the historical significance of the area but also to contribute to the broader regeneration of the town centre and the Church Hill Conservation Area, presently listed on the Heritage at Risk Register.

New Canal Footbridge To Link Waterside Residents To Town

Walsall Council, in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust, is currently undertaking an initiative to improve the canal and basin vicinity adjacent to the New Art Gallery.

In addition to the proposed footbridge designed to connect the retail section with residents residing on the opposite side of the water, there are blueprints for the installation of bollards that will supply power and water to boaters. Furthermore, a ‘sea bin’ is set to be introduced for the purpose of collecting litter from the canal.

These developments are part of the comprehensive £6.5 million Active Public Spaces Scheme, which includes other enhancements in Park Street, Gallery Square, and the canal basin.

James Dennison, Enterprise Manager for Canal and River Trust, explained, “The footbridge aims to establish a direct link between the retail and leisure area and the residential space, eliminating the need for people to take a circuitous route. This collaborative project, spearheaded by Walsall Council, is dedicated to benefiting the local community.”

He added, “Walsall Council is the primary owner of this project, emphasizing its value to the residents. Accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities, is a key consideration, with plans for a substantial landing area, and careful attention is being paid to ensure navigability for boats.”