Kier Construction has been awarded a £35.4m contract by Walsall Council to deliver the Connected Gateway and Adult Learning Centre project, a key element of the wider regeneration of Walsall town centre.
The contract covers professional services, enabling works for the new Adult Learning Centre, demolition at Park Street and the main construction works. Kier secured the project through a direct award under Lot Two of Pagabo’s Major Works Framework using an NEC4 design-and-build contract.
According to a contract notice, the agreement runs from 30 April 2025 until 18 February 2028 and is valued at £35.36m. The notice also confirms that Walsall Council has set aside a contingency budget to accommodate any unforeseen requirements that may arise during the delivery of the scheme.
Designed by Associated Architects, the development will provide a purpose-built Adult Learning Centre alongside extensive public realm improvements intended to strengthen links between Walsall railway station and the town centre.
The project includes the demolition of buildings at 38–46 Park Street and 1–4 Butlers Passage to make way for a new public square featuring hard and soft landscaping, lighting and improved public spaces.
Highway and access improvements will also be carried out on Station Street and Park Street, including the construction of new steps and an accessible ramp leading to the Saddlers Centre entrance.
Further elements of the scheme include the remodelling of Park Mall with the installation of a new roof, a lift and staircase providing access to Platform One at Walsall railway station, and the creation of a new entrance into the shopping centre from Station Street.
Arcadis provided planning consultancy services for the project.
The Connected Gateway development is designed to improve connectivity between the railway station, Walsall town centre and surrounding regeneration sites, while providing a modern home for the borough’s adult education services.
The new Adult Learning Centre will replace existing facilities, bringing education provision into the heart of the town and supporting skills development, training and employment opportunities for local residents.
The project forms part of the wider £1.5bn Walsall Town Centre Regeneration programme, according to construction data provider Glenigan. The broader programme also includes proposals to upgrade St Paul’s bus station and the Bradford Place bus interchange, together with improvements to St Matthew’s Quarter, including enhancements to the market and initiatives aimed at creating a greener, more attractive town centre.
