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.