Plans have been submitted for the reopening of a rooftop street food venue in Walsall, which was abruptly closed last month due to operating without planning permission.
The Rooftop Food Court launched earlier this year atop the Asda multi-storey car park on George Street, quickly becoming a favorite spot for locals. The venue featured food from over a dozen vendors, an outdoor cinema, 400 parking spaces, and seating for 350 guests.
However, Walsall Council issued a temporary stop notice, stating that the activities at the site posed an ‘immediate risk’ to public safety.
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In the retrospective planning application, the applicant, Easy Park, acknowledged the area had previously suffered from issues like vandalism, graffiti, rough sleeping, and discarded drug paraphernalia. They emphasized that the once underused rooftop has been revitalized into a vibrant, safe, and inclusive leisure destination that supports Walsall’s evening economy.
Though located within the Church Hill Conservation Area, Easy Park argued that the car park’s utilitarian design means the venue has minimal impact on the protected surroundings.
The proposed development includes 16 modular food units, a courtyard with seating, a silent cinema, soft lighting, and planters. Operating hours are planned from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Easy Park highlighted that the project has created over 100 jobs through vendors, cleaning, and security staff.
Walsall Council is expected to make a decision on the planning application by January 2026.