Case study

£20 million awarded to Walsall to transform Willenhall (Levelling Up Fund 2)

£20 million from the Levelling Up Fund will transform Willenhall into a modern residential neighbourhood.

The Levelling Up funding will support the development of new housing and improve travel for local people. 

New housing in Moat Street / Villiers Street  

The investment will help acquire and develop the land required to build 107 new homes, including affordable properties, at Moat Street and Villiers Street.   

Willenhall active travel improvements 

Funding will also be used to create a better environment for cyclists and pedestrians when travelling between Willenhall rail station and other areas of the town.  

This includes: 

  • an active travel route between Willenhall Trading Estate and the town centre 
  • a new 3-armed roundabout at Rose Hill/ Bilston Lane Junction to increase capacity and reduce congestion 
  • improvements to the Greenway including a pedestrian and cycle route that runs on the former railway line from St Anne’s Road to Willenhall Memorial Park and other areas. 

Cllr Adrian Andrew said: 

This is a new beginning for Willenhall and an opportunity to look to a future of a more positive, vibrant and successful Willenhall. The Willenhall Framework Plan was launched and developed precisely to secure external funding like this and as someone involved in shaping this policy since day one, I am incredibly proud of this achievement.

This is the largest injection of funding in Willenhall in over 40 years and it shows that our commitment to regeneration in Willenhall in a real sense and not just in cosmetic changes is strong and on track. We will deliver a safer stronger cleaner greener Willenhall. 

Find out more about The Willenhall Framework, Walsall’s 10-year vision for future housing and development in Willenhall. 

Find out more about Levelling Up

Published 19 February 2024