Plans to reclaim a massive derelict site in Walsall have taken a huge step forward – and hailed the move as ‘fantastic news for the borough and the whole region’.
I will not let the Covid pandemic stop the plans, which could generate as many as 1,100 new jobs.
This is fantastic news for the borough and the whole region. One of my key aims as Mayor has been to clear-up old industrial sites across the Black Country to make way for housing and commercial sites - and old industrial sites don’t come much bigger or more iconic than Phoenix 10.
This has been a blot on the landscape for 20 years, so I am absolutely delighted that after decades of being one of the region’s most recognisable eyesores we have been able to step in and get the ball rolling on redevelopment.
We may still be in the eye of the Covid storm, but I refuse to let the pandemic knock our plans to clean-up old derelict industrial sites across the region off course.
Not only does the WMCA’s cash help to remediate brownfield land ready for development, but it also helps to create local construction jobs at this difficult economic time, as well as protect precious greenbelt land across the West Midlands.
It is critical work, and we have already secured more cash from the Government during the pandemic to carry on with our plans.
The £100 million project will deliver up to 620,000sq ft of employment space, attracting new jobs and investment.
Property developer HBD has partnered with Walsall Council and Homes England to deliver the project. The Black Country LEP and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) are supporting the project with funding for the site remediation phase of works.
Remediation works are expected to begin this year subject to planning permission, laying the groundwork for development to begin in 2023, with completion expected in 2027.
Deputy leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Adrian Andrew added: “I'm delighted that progress is being made on this project. We have a number of significant projects in the pipeline in Walsall which give me confidence in the future of the borough’s economy.”
