'This is exactly the type of responsible regeneration we want to see,' Walsall Council leader says as report confirms Launchpad project's £1.23m social value success

Walsall Council has welcomed the findings - saying it reflects the authority's commitment to ensuring every major capital project supports local business, local jobs and long-term community wellbeing. 

Delivered in partnership with Speller Metcalfe, the project has seen the former Post Office building in Bloxwich refurbished and transformed into a new digital access and business incubation centre offering residents IT facilities, employment support, digital skills training and business office space. 

One of the main aims of the build was supporting local suppliers and keeping spending as close to Walsall as possible.

The report confirms more than £1.19 million of project spend was targeted locally through supply-chain sourcing, materials, labour and subcontractors benefiting businesses in the borough and within a 30-mile radius - providing a boost to employment opportunities and strengthening the local economy.

Local subcontractors involved in the scheme included electrical, roofing, asbestos removal, groundworks, mechanical services, scaffold and specialist brickwork and glazing firms based in Walsall and nearby postcodes - to ensure the majority of spend stayed local, supporting established employers and providing work for apprentices, trainees and skilled tradespeople.

Councillor Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council, said: “Bloxwich Launchpad is a shining example of how major investment projects can do much more than renovate a building they can create jobs, strengthen local suppliers and make real community impact. By prioritising local businesses first, we have kept the Walsall pound in Walsall, supporting our own employers, our own young people and our borough’s economy.

"I am delighted this project has delivered more than four times its planned social value and that local companies, apprentices and students have directly benefited. This is exactly the type of responsible regeneration we want to see across our borough: modern facilities, thriving businesses and real opportunity for residents.”

The project also generated substantial community benefits through education, employability and training - helping residents, students and young people gain valuable construction sector skills and better knowledge of the industry.

Data shows 13 weeks of apprenticeship and T-Level training were delivered, there were 86 site visits for students and young people, 13 weeks of unpaid student placements and 81 per cent of the supply-chain was classified as local (direct and subcontracted).

The project also supported local volunteering and community action - including a litter pick outside Walsall College Campus that collected 13 bags of rubbish in one hour, along with contributions to the Bloxwich Community Partnership Fund.

Kate Moore, social value lead at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We are extremely proud of the Bloxwich Launchpad build, not only for its high-quality refurbishment but for the meaningful legacy it leaves behind. From day one, our focus was to maximise local impact supporting Walsall suppliers, creating learning opportunities and ensuring investment stayed within the community. Working with Walsall Council has demonstrated how construction can genuinely deliver lasting socio-economic benefits, and we are thrilled to see the local businesses, trainees and community groups all benefiting from this project.”

The Bloxwich Launchpad project forms part of Walsall Council’s wider regeneration ambitions, including improved town centre facilities, business support, skills development and new community hubs. 

The council has said it will continue to embed social value expectations into future procurements, ensuring places are improved and local people share in the benefits.