Detailed design proposals have been submitted for a supermarket to be built in Walsall town centre, which will create around 200 jobs. The new Tesco store, which will include a petrol-filling station and 756 car-parking spaces, will be built on the site of Walsall College in St Paul’s Street, and will replace the existing Tesco Metro store at The Bridge. Tesco was granted outline planning permission in December 2006, in a joint application with Walsall College for the new campus in Littleton Street. The scheme is part of the ‘Walsall First’ initiative, a partnership between Tesco, Walsall College, the council and Walsall Regeneration Company, to help support the regeneration of Walsall as a leading town in the West Midlands. Priority employment will be offered to local residents - especially those in long-term unemployment. Design proposals for the store were submitted to the council on Wednesday, following a four-day public exhibition at Walsall College in May. The plans are expected to be considered by the planning committee in October and, if approved, construction would begin next year. Tony Fletcher, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: “This is the latest stage in an exciting retail development for Tesco and for the people of Walsall. “The new store will give greater choice, improved facilities and a better overall shopping experience for residents, along with a significant number of jobs for local people. “A tremendous amount of effort has been put in by everybody involved with Walsall First to get to this stage and we are proud to be a part of the exciting regeneration of Walsall.” Dr Peter Cromar, chief executive of Walsall Regeneration Company, said: “Tesco’s continuing commitment to Walsall is very positive news for the town. “That it comes at a time when the economy generally is struggling is even more welcome, as it will bring new jobs for local people and an improved retail offer in the town centre. “The Walsall First partnership has already delivered a wonderful new college and by the end of next year potentially a major superstore, another sign the regeneration of Walsall is firmly on course.” | 
