Walsall shoppers say ‘waste of money’ as costly alleyway set for demolition

An alleyway in Walsall that became notorious for its staggering £750,000 price tag is finally being demolished.

Butler’s Passage, the narrow alleyway linking Park Street and St Paul’s Bus Station, will soon be opened up as part of Walsall Council’s Connected Gateway Scheme. 

Now described by shoppers as ‘unsafe’, the alleyway was named after the saddler manufacturer Butler Brothers whose factory stood alongside it. 

The firm was active mainly in the late 19th and 20th centuries until it went into liquidation in January 1981.

It is unknown when Butler’s Passage itself was formed, but in 2004, Walsall Council undertook major works to the site.

Approved by former regeneration portfolio holder, Councillor Adrian Andrew, in 2003, the total project cost was £750,000.

It formed part of the council’s Quality Streets regeneration programme which also included public realm improvements, new paving and lighting and public art. 

The programme was split into two phases, Butler’s Passage works and the Park Street Arcade improvements. 

The initial phase cost £467,067 and the remainder was spent on Park Street Arcade.

It was funded by Advantage West Midlands, the European Regional Development Fund, and the public transport body Centro.  

Twenty years later, shoppers in Walsall town centre described the Butler’s Passage project as a waste of money. 

Jinette Croft, 56, said: “At the time I thought it was disgusting spending that amount of money when you could hardly see the difference. 

“As a taxpayer it’s a huge amount of money that’s been spent just to be demolished 20 years later.”

Amrit Sharma, 54, said: “That money back then would be well over a million now. 

“It seems like a waste now they’re getting rid of it but hopefully it’ll look better. It’s not safe to go down there when it’s dark.”

Jim Taylor, 23, added: “What did the money pay for? I don’t know what it was like before but it should look nicer for the price it cost.”

Demolition works for the Connected Gateway Project were due to commence in early 2026. 

Two large buildings in the heart of the town will be flattened, making way for a town centre plaza improving the connection between the railway station and St Paul’s bus station. 

Councillor Nicky Barker, deputy leader of  Walsall Council and portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Butler’s Passage provides a walkway between the train station and the bus station on St Paul’s St.

“The Connected Gateway project builds on that, demolishing some of the buildings on Park Street to create a wider walkway, a clear sightline and improved connectivity between the rail and bus stations, and a more open and attractive public realm.

 “I’m really pleased to see the progress that’s already happening in the town centre. This is an exciting and transformative project and I look forward to seeing the open space and other benefits it will bring for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”