Chippie breathes life into station
The last standing reminder of Darlaston's steel industry has risen phoenix-like from the flames under the guidance of a chip shop boss. The last standing reminder of Darlaston's steel industry has risen phoenix-like from the flames under the guidance of a chip shop boss. Carol Reynolds wanted to help preserve the former MEB sub station and power plant for the old FH Lloyd steel factory when she decided to launch her chip shop business in 1999. She had seen the dilapidated building on Park Lane on the Darlaston/Wednesbury border and believed she was the right person to breathe new life into it. But in March she suffered a setback when it was gutted by fire but it has now been reopened after a £100,000 revamp. "A faulty fridge started the fire and the affect at the time devastated me," Mrs Reynolds said. "Having worked hard to build up a business and then see it lie in ruins is just devastating. "It now back open for business and trade is picking up really well. It is just great to see the sub station use another one of its lives and yet come back stronger. I just find the building and its history fascinating and I love being a part of it." Read the full story in the Express & Star.
The last standing reminder of Darlaston's steel industry has risen phoenix-like from the flames under the guidance of a chip shop boss.
Carol Reynolds wanted to help preserve the former MEB sub station and power plant for the old FH Lloyd steel factory when she decided to launch her chip shop business in 1999. She had seen the dilapidated building on Park Lane on the Darlaston/Wednesbury border and believed she was the right person to breathe new life into it.
But in March she suffered a setback when it was gutted by fire but it has now been reopened after a £100,000 revamp.
"A faulty fridge started the fire and the affect at the time devastated me," Mrs Reynolds said.
"Having worked hard to build up a business and then see it lie in ruins is just devastating.
"It now back open for business and trade is picking up really well. It is just great to see the sub station use another one of its lives and yet come back stronger. I just find the building and its history fascinating and I love being a part of it."
The building was owned by the MEB and was a former sub station used as a power safety net for the old FH Lloyd steel factory.
It even came with its own anti-air raid shelter situated on top of the building and used as protection against the Luftwaffe during the Second World War.
The factory, which employed 2,000 workers at its peak, closed in 1984 and is now a retail park. Mrs Reynolds saw the potential and after selling her established chip shop business in Franchise Street began working on her new and challenging project over eight years ago.
"I have always been fascinated with the history of the area as I am Wednesbury born and bred," said Mrs Reynolds.
"I remembered what an important role the FH Lloyd factory played in the lives of people from the Darlaston and Wednesbury areas. The power station was the only building from FH Lloyd's past which was left standing and I saw the opportunity to preserve a bit of the area's history as well as build a business."
The building was named Sub Station and a new era was born. It is both a takeaway and diner and sells not only fish and chips but a wide range of food.
