Walsall’s fire-ravaged Shannons Mill is poised to be brought back to life through new multi-million pound plans, it emerged today.
See also: In pictures: Walsall mill fire
Almost a year since a blaze ripped through the historic Victorian clothing mill, regeneration chiefs in the town say plans to revive it are due to be submitted imminently.
Exact details of the proposals are not yet being revealed but the leader of Walsall Council said it was likely to be packed with shops and homes, creating dozens of jobs.
Redevelopment plans for the site had been in the pipeline for years before the blaze, the worst in the West Midlands for 25 years, destroyed it on August 3 last year.
Councillor O’Hare said: “The site was waiting to be partly refurbished and the second part redeveloped when the fire happened.
“After it happened it was back to the drawing board. But it has given us chance to re-think the whole development to create a complete scheme for that part of the town.
“Discussions are under way with the developer and there are drawings that are well advanced. I expect there to be an application submitted soon.”
Councillor O’Hare added: “It will be a predominantly commercial development.
“It will create jobs, in the short-term for the construction industry and more importantly in the longer term, good jobs in quality retail. But it is not something we will approve lightly, we want to make sure everything is right.”
The council has been working closely with Dominic Goold, director of Norton & Proffitt, the firm which owns the site, over the past few months.
It is not yet known how close the plans will be to the original £25 million blueprint for loft apartments, offices and speciality shopping outlets.
Land preparation work on the site had started when the fire destroyed the building leaving a shell which had to be demolished because of safety concerns.
There would have been 45 apartments on the George Street frontage with the rear providing 45,000 sq ft of refurbished offices.
Share this article:
What are these?