Walsall council has approved a £70m mixed-use scheme in the heart of Walsall which was initially submitted by developer Urban Splash four years ago. Detailed planning permission has been granted for 144,000 sq ft of offices, a 130-bedroom hotel, 150 new homes, two public squares and 41,000 sq ft of leisure and retail. The 17-acre development is the first phase of 10-year £180m Walsall Waterfront project.