‘Major step forward’ as first derelict factory flattened in Willenhall to make way for homes
Long-awaited demolition work in Willenhall has finally started.
A dilapidated industrial unit on Moat Street is the first of six sites that will be cleared in the area.
The works are part of a wider scheme across Villiers Street, Moat Street, New Hall Street, Stafford Street and Temple Bar which will see derelict factories replaced with up to 107 homes.
The area, which was once a hive of industrial activity, has now been named the Locksmith Quarter by Walsall Council.
Over recent years the dilapidated buildings had become a magnet for arson and antisocial behaviour.
The ‘new beginning’ for Willenhall, delivered by developer Keepmoat, was granted outline planning permission in June 2024.
It is being funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
In November 2024, Compulsory Purchase Powers were granted to Walsall Council resulting in the forced closure of steel fabricators Winfield Industrial Services on Stafford Street and SJS Engineering metal foundry on New Hall Street.
Councillor Adrian Andrew – portfolio holder for regeneration and deputy leader of the authority – had previously vowed that demolition works would ‘start in the new year’ of 2025.
As of March 31, 2025, £1.7million had been spent on the scheme as the factories still stood.
When pressed about delays in September, Councillor Andrew said works would start ‘within weeks’.
He described the first demolition as a ‘major step forward’ for the project.
Councillor Andrew said: “It’s great to see these derelict eyesores start to come down in Willenhall.
“They’ve been a blight on the community for too long and this is a major step forward in laying the groundwork for a future that Willenhall truly deserves.
“It’s been a complex process to bring these challenging sites forward for development and there have been a lot of hurdles to overcome.
“Our strong partnership with Keepmoat is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about creating homes, spaces, and possibilities that reflect the spirit of Willenhall and support a thriving community for generations to come, whilst honouring Willenhall’s rich history.”
Shaun Fielding, regional managing director at Keepmoat, added: “We’re pleased to be strengthening our partnership with Walsall Council by delivering new homes at this high-profile site.
“The scheme will see the clearance of derelict buildings and the building of much-needed, high-quality housing for new and existing residents.
“At Keepmoat, we pride ourselves on being experts in brownfield regeneration and unlocking this site and addressing the complex remediation issues, collaboratively with WMBC is testament to this.”
