For decades it has been the entrance to Wolverhampton’s famous Goodyear factory site.

But – like the iconic blue and yellow chimney before it – the gatehouse leading to the well-known plant off Stafford Road has now been demolished, paving the way for its multi-million pound transformation.

The modest gatehouse on Stafford Road has been passed by hundreds of motorists every day for decades. But the small brick building has now been consigned to the past as

Birmingham-based developer St Modwen forges ahead with plans for homes, a new school, a supermarket and a park.

Planning permission has now been granted for the first phase of work that will see new life breathed into the landmark plant, which was reduced to rubble two years ago.

The city council has given the go ahead for the creation of a local neighbourhood centre and food store.

It will kickstart the scheme at the 85,000sq ft site off Stafford Road which was mothballed due to the recession.

Budget supermarket Aldi is in final discussions with St Modwen to take on the food store, creating jobs in the city.

Hopes are also high that work on the first phase of homes could start later this year too. More than 600 will be built as part of the development.

Plans for the former plant also include a new school to replace Oxley Primary and a 16-acre public park.

Hundreds gathered in June 2008 to see Goodyear’s iconic blue and yellow tower pulled down to make way for the development.

Former tyre workers were among those who gathered to witness the end of an era.

The company has kept a presence on the site and has retained its 70-year-old sports and social club on Stafford Road.

A re-tread unit with 450 workers also remains. A clock tower, dating back to the 1930s, was also saved from demolition.

In its prime, the Goodyear factory employed 5,000 staff.