Demolition has officially commenced for the Connected Gateway scheme in Walsall town centre, marking a significant milestone in the area's regeneration. Two large buildings adjacent to Butler's Passage are currently being removed to make way for a new town centre plaza.
What is happening at the site?
Last week, on August 7, 2026, onlookers watched as excavators carefully dismantled the structures facing St Paul's Bus Station, piece by piece. The demolition around Butler's Passage aims to transform what was previously described as an 'unsafe' narrow walkway into an open public realm.
The project is designed to improve the sightline between the railway station, located in the Saddler's Centre, and the bus station, creating a more seamless connection for pedestrians and visitors.
Funding and timeline for the Connected Gateway
The Connected Gateway is a central part of Walsall's Town Centre Master Plan, backed by £11.4 million from the government's Future High Street Fund, secured in 2021, along with additional investment from Walsall Council. The entire project is expected to be completed sometime next year, with demolition being just the first phase.
Prior to the start of demolition, several heritage features from the site were carefully removed and placed into secure storage to preserve the area's history.
What happens next for Butler's Passage?
Butler's Passage is scheduled to reopen to the public at the end of September. While the work continues on other parts of the site, a temporary tarmac surface will be installed to maintain access for pedestrians.
Local resident Jade Wardle, 31, was watching the demolition during her lunch break. She said: “It’s a massive project. Something needs to be done to this town. Hopefully it will make it more welcoming for people.”
Local business reaction
Paul Houlston, owner of Jack & Ada's Cafe at St Paul's Bus Station, shared his thoughts on the ongoing work. He said: “We’ve got a fairly good customer base so it hasn’t affected us too much. The number of people on our Facebook page has increased a lot since we’ve been posting videos of the work. My only gripe is that they closed it all off at the end of January and since then they’ve just been doing internal work. I think it’s important to embrace the planned regeneration programme and we the people of Walsall need to give it our full support.”
Council and contractor comments
Councillor Nicky Barker, deputy leader of Walsall Council, expressed optimism about the progress. She said: “It’s fantastic to see demolition now underway as another key milestone in the Connected Gateway scheme. While regeneration of this scale can inevitably bring some temporary disruption, every stage of the project is moving us closer to a more attractive, better connected town centre. Once complete, these improvements will help create a town centre that people can be proud of and one that supports businesses, encourages investment and benefits everyone who lives, works and visits Walsall.”
Tony Shenton, acting managing director for Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, added: “We are delighted to be working with Walsall Council to help deliver this important stage of the Connected Gateway scheme, supporting its wider vision for a more accessible, welcoming and better-connected town centre. These works will improve links between key transport hubs, enhance the experience for residents, visitors and businesses, and play an important role in attracting footfall, supporting local growth and helping Walsall realise its long-term regeneration ambitions.”
Other regeneration works in Walsall
In addition to the demolition, work is also underway to renovate the former M&S building into an Adult Learning Centre, as part of the broader efforts to revitalise the town centre. These projects collectively aim to boost the local economy and create a more inviting environment for residents and visitors alike.
