Copyright expressandstar
The ground floor of the Saddlers Centre, known as Bradford Mall, has been given a makeover as part of the scheme that aims to create a better arrival experience into the town. The mall now benefits from increased natural light, new flooring, new shopfronts and upgraded staircases and escalators. Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: “It’s great to see the first phase of the Connected Gateway work completed, and already the Saddlers Centre looks much more inviting and modern. “This transformation of Walsall Town Centre will create lots of opportunities for business and leisure and I look forward to seeing spades in the ground on the upper level and out on Park Street in the New Year.” Melvin Glasby, centre manager at the Saddlers Shopping Centre, thanked customers for their patience while the works were carried out and added: “The mall has been transformed, and our occupiers have new, modern retail space to work from. Some of our traders have moved down from Park Mall to the new Bradford Mall retail space which has created a much more appealing shopping experience for all. "With new toilet facilities, modern escalators and stair access too, the shopping centre is so much more accessible and appealing. We are looking forward to starting the next phase in early 2026.” The work, undertaken by contractor Speller Metcalfe, marks completion of the first phase of the Connected Gateway scheme, a transformative project that aims to create a seamless public transport gateway in Walsall. The project will improve connectivity between the bus and rail hubs, enhance the accessibility and arrival experience at the railway station, modernise the Saddlers Shopping Centre and transform the public realm along Park Street. Matthew Bailey, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of Bradford Mall, which marks an important step in revitalising Walsall’s town centre. “Delivered through the Constructing West Midlands Framework, our team has worked closely with Walsall Council to deliver high-quality improvements that not only enhance the look and feel of the space but also lay the foundations for future phases of the Connected Gateway project. “We’re proud to be part of a scheme that’s helping to create a more vibrant, welcoming, and accessible environment for everyone who visits the town.” As part of Walsall town centre’s regeneration, a pot of money for public art has been used to restore the Three Men in a Boat automaton and clock, which was once a popular part of the Walsall shopping experience. The clock is set to return imminently and on Thursday December 4 the public is invited to a celebration event in the newly-refurbished Bradford Mall to see the clock chime for the first time in years.
