The redevelopment of Walsall's tallest building has been enhanced further with plans for a new restaurant or commercial unit agreed.

Walsall Council's planners have given the green light to an application to build the new facility within Tameway Tower , in Bridge Street.

Work is currently underway to transform the main building into 143 apartments and this was increased by two in February after developers successfully sought approval to build the extra flats on the mezzanine level.

Tameway Tower in Walsall is being converted into more than 140 apartments.
Tameway Tower in Walsall is being converted into more than 140 apartments.

Tameway (Midlands) Ltd has now gained permission to construct the ground floor commercial unit which could be used as a restaurant, cafe, offices or a shop.

It is hoped that the commercial unit, along with the new apartments, will provide a huge boost for the area and bring in more people to the ailing town centre.

In their application, Tameway said: "The existing tower block is currently being converted from vacant office space into 143 residential apartments which is progressing well with an anticipated completion by September 2019.

"It is therefore envisaged that this redevelopment of the site will inject new life and much welcomed footfall into the town centre, as well as also providing an opportunity to introduce a new commercial unit within the street scene that can benefit from and help support the overall scheme in this sustainable location."

They added that the development is in a great position within the town centre near other shopping centres, leisure facilities and public transport links.

Tameway Tower was built as office accommodation in the 1970s. The main development is being called as "Tameway Plaza" and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Tameway's scheme partners Prosperity Wealth have marketed the development as: "Tameway Plaza is Walsall's tallest building and well renowned landmark, recognised for what the Black Country is famous for, its industrial past and progressive modern community."