72 homes for old factory site

Wolverhampton council has revealed plans for 72 homes on the Tower and Fort Works site in Graiseley.

The project will see the 3.4 acres of land sold to a development partner for family homes.

Proposals to redevelop the site in Pelham Street have been in the pipeline for years.

The works were once home to the country's third largest car manufacturer, Clyno, before it moved out during 1927 and were later occupied by Midland Metal Spinners who made Presto and Tower pressure cookers, saucepans and kettles.

Under the latest proposals, a quarter of the homes will be set aside as affordable council houses at an estimated cost of £2 million.

The authority has said it hopes to appoint a development partner by the end of summer 2016, with construction starting by spring 2017.

Deputy council leader Peter Bilson, said: "This is an ideal site for a new residential development as it is close to Wolverhampton city centre, is well served by transport links, and is near shops and leisure facilities.

"As part of regeneration plans for Wolverhampton, we are committed to a target of building 13,400 new homes across the city between 2006 and 2026.

"One of our key priorities is also to increase the number of decent and affordable homes available in the city.

"This project supports the house building programme and will deliver quality homes for all."

Council chiefs have previously said that the buildings are underused and would serve the city better if they were knocked down so that developers could do something else with them.

The latest scheme follows the completion at Thompson Avenue in August of 40 council homes - the first new council houses to be built in the city in 30 years.

Meanwhile, a similar mixed residential project of private and council homes in Low Hill will also see construction start next year on more than 100 homes at Showell Road, Broome Road and Fifth Avenue.