Cafe owner's concern over Brownhills redevelopment

A Brownhills cafe owner has said he is "nervous" about the future of his business ahead of the redevelopment of the area.

Yasim Ayhan signed a 10-year lease on Brownhills Cafe and Grill in summer 2024.

His business is attached to the old Ravenscourt Shopping Centre which has been derelict for a number of years.

The majority of the site is now owned by Aldi, which has planning permission to demolish the shopping centre building for a new store.

The council said that in order to proceed with the development, there were four shop units on the high street that Aldi still needed to acquire - one of which is where Mr Ayhan runs his cafe.

Aldi has been in negotiations with the landowners since 2020.

At Walsall Council's cabinet meeting on Wednesday, councillors agreed to the compulsory purchase of the businesses if needed.

Deputy leader Adrian Andrew said the derelict site was a "blight" on the town.

He added that the council and Aldi would "work with the businesses to try to retain and relocate them within Brownhills high street".

Mr Ayhan said he was worried about the future of his business if the building was subject to compulsory purchase.

He said: "I'm nervous because I don't know what is going to happen.

"It was an empty shop before and it has cost £60-70,000 to open it as a cafe.

"Since I opened, we are doing really well and we are very busy.

"Before I signed the lease they did all the searches and everything was clear."

Resident Sheena Probert said the derelict shopping centre was a "rat-infested disgrace" and supported redevelopment.

"Sometimes the rats come around you if you are eating here. It spoils the place," she added.

Valerie Chambers said the site was an "eyesore".

She said: "It's difficult for the business and it's a shame if they can't find alternative accommodation."

The councillor said: "We are happy to use our compulsory purchase order powers to move this development forward.

"Hopefully it won't get to that stage and the landowners will come around the table and negotiate a settlement.

"If they [the businesses] want to stop in Brownhills, we will be happy to facilitate a conversation between the appropriate organisations in terms of relocation."

He advised that any businesses concerned should contact their landlord.

An Aldi spokesperson said it was "working hard" to deliver the new store.