Phoenix 10 finally gets the go ahead
A multi-million pound deal has been signed to transform a derelict former copper works in Walsall into a sprawling new industrial estate.
The 44-acre Phoenix 10 site near Junction 9 and Junction 10 of the M6 has long been the subject of regeneration plans having been derelict for 20 years.
Now the site – thought to be the largest undeveloped brownfield plot in the Black Country – is set to be cleared for development under plans agreed today.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has struck a deal with Walsall Council, Homes England, the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Henry Boot Developments for the site.
It will see contaminated land treated and cleared, before work starts on the construction of new commercial premises. Work is expected to start next year.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said the work would regenerate the former industrial site "to deliver jobs, business and prosperity in the Black Country".
“At the same time we continue to make good progress on the reopening of the nearby Walsall to Wolverhampton rail line with new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston – again helping to unlock further derelict land for industry and housing," he added.
“These exciting schemes are helping to breathe new life into this part of the Black Country while driving economic growth, giving people better opportunities for a decent home and job.”
Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said: "It’s great news that the Phoenix 10 scheme is progressing and the site will be brought back into use.
"The development will have a significant impact on economic growth and job creation in Walsall and raise our profile as a place to invest."
Bosses say the site, which is currently jointly owned by Homes England and Walsall Council, is the largest potential employment site in the Black Country.
It was partly occupied by the James Bridge Copper Works until 1999 and is heavily contaminated, which has hampered numerous previous efforts to bring it back into use.
It is expected to provide around 620,000sq ft of employment floor space and create 1,000 temporary construction jobs and more than 1,100 full-time jobs once completed and occupied.
Tom Westley, of the Black Country LEP, said the development showed the LEPs' continued support for the region's "growing world-class manufacturing sector".
Vivienne Clements, director at Henry Boot Developments, said: "It’s fantastic to be able to play a part in returning such an important strategic site back to positive use and we look forward to getting started on site."
