Poundland commits to a third store in Walsall

DISCOUNT retailer Poundland has expanded its presence in its Black Country heartland by signing up for a new store in Walsall.

The company has become the second retailer to sign up for a store in the next phase of the St. Matthew’s Quarter retail and leisure scheme. It follows St. Modwen’s letting to rival discount retailer B&M.

Norton and Proffitt Developments, a joint venture between St. Modwen and Goold Estates was granted planning consent for the 11-unit retail and leisure development at the southern end of Walsall’s main high street in May.

Single price value retailer Poundland has taken an 8,900 sq ft unit on a 10 year lease. The company already has a strong presence in the town, having taken over the former Woolworth’s store as Townend Bank, as well as a unit in the town’s Saddler’s Centre.

Ben Wall, Poundland’s head of portfolio management, said:  “Poundland has grown significantly over the past 12 months and we’re delighted to see this expansion continuing with another store in Walsall.

“The existing stores have been very popular with local shoppers and we are confident this store will be just as successful. We’re looking forward to opening our doors.”

Mark Watkins, senior development surveyor at St. Modwen, said: “The lettings to Poundland and B&M are a brilliant start for our new development of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities at St. Matthew’s Quarter. We have been encouraged by the interest from retailers, as well as restaurant and leisure operators.”

The retail and leisure development is part of Norton & Profitt’s wider £90m regeneration of St Matthew’s Quarter, and will create 90,000 sq ft of new retail and leisure amenities in an under-utilised area of Walsall’s town centre.

Dominic Goold, of Goold Estates, added: “Poundland and B&M getting on-board marks the beginning of the next phase of the St. Matthew’s Quarter project, which continues to transform this area of Walsall.”

Cllr Mohammad Nazir, deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration on Walsall Borough Council, said: “I welcome the commitment of these two leading retailers to St. Matthew’s Quarter and look forward to other occupiers signing up to enable the early delivery of this project.

“The council has worked closely with Norton & Proffitt on the scheme, including investing its own land, which will complement the wider regeneration of St. Matthew’s Quarter, including the council’s own investment in the Primark/Co-op development.”