WATCH: Time-lapse shows transformation of brownfield area in Willenhall after historic factory demolished
A Black Country council has taken a major step in revitalising long-abandoned brownfield sites with the full demolition of the historic factory now complete - watch a time-lapse of the transformation below.
Walsall Council, working in partnership with Keepmoat, is transforming derelict land into much-needed housing, aiming to create safer, more vibrant neighbourhoods.
Willenhall residents have welcomed the development, praising the removal of the decaying Legge factory, which had long been associated with antisocial behaviour.
The Legge factory, also known as the Ingersoll-Rand site, on Moat Street, dates back to the 1800s and was once a prominent lock manufacturer.
After closing in the early 2000s, the building remained empty, gradually falling into disrepair. Its demolition marks a symbolic end to a long chapter of neglect and the beginning of a new era for the local community.
A time-lapse video, released by the council (see above), has captured the transformation of the area as the demolition, which started in January, is finally complete.
Plans for the site include much-needed housing developments designed to breathe new life into the area while offering residents a safer and more welcoming environment - with 25% of the homes planned to be affordable housing in line with council planning policy.
Council representatives say the project is part of a wider effort to unlock the potential of underused land across Walsall, combining heritage-sensitive development with modern living needs.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the derelict Legge Factory building gone. The progress in Willenhall is absolutely brilliant and it’s great to see these eyesores come down.
“Attracting the funding and then going through the legal process to purchase the site and bring it forward for development has taken a long time so I’m very proud and excited that we’ve reached this milestone. This demolition will make way for new homes for our community, it’s a really exciting time for Willenhall.”
Shaun Fielding, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat West Midlands, added: “At Keepmoat, we’re pleased to be progressing the latest phase of regeneration works in Willenhall. Working alongside the council, we have been able to progress with the remediation works to remove the derelict building in the process of meeting the demand and housing requirements of the local community.
“Here at Keepmoat, we pride ourselves on being experts in brownfield regeneration and unlocking this site in collaboration with Walsall Council is a testament to our commitment. We’re looking forward to progressing our plans for the development, transforming an area previously prone to antisocial behaviour into a place where people want to live.”
