Fresh talks over transformation of M6 gas tanks site
Jobs are on the horizon at the site of the former landmark M6 gas tanks, council chiefs have promised.
Fresh talks are being held by councillors next month over the future of the 20-acre site at St James Bridge.
But the discussions will be behind closed doors because of “commercial confidentiality”.
The well-known space, earmarked for major business development, was once the home of the huge gas holders between junctions nine at Wednesbury and 10 in Walsall.
The large, metal, circular buildings – a permanent sight for motorists during the years – were pulled down in April 2015 to attract businesses and jobs.
Next phase of progress
Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said the talks could trigger the next phase of progress on the site – once home to two National Grid gas holders, both measuring more than 200-feet wide.
He said: “What we are looking to do really is try and put the infrastructure in to encourage investment in the borough and create jobs.
“It’s a big site and we have the opportunity to deliver high quality employment to encourage new jobs and investment in the area.
“The meeting in July is a private session so there’s lots of commercial confidentiality.
“But we are bringing the plan forward to create a modern, up to date employment space in Walsall.”
Dismantled
Before dismantling could start in 2014, National Grid's team of contractors removed debris and millions of gallons of water from inside the structures that had collected during the years they had sat unused.
And now that the gas holders have been demolished the council will be meeting to discuss the next stage of the project.
Councillor Andrew added: “Building next to the site of the new Darlaston railway station is also a fantastic opportunity.
“After this we’ll be going into consultation and then take it from there. But all is progressing very well.”
Each gas holder was about 40ft tall and constructed of five walled layers of metal and jointly weighed more than 1,100 tons.
Councillor Andrew added that “hundreds of jobs” could be created at the site over the coming years.
National Grid's former James Bridge gas holder site is located within the Black Country Enterprise Zone and is the second largest zone site within the Darlaston.
It is hoped that the redevelopment of allocated enterprise zones in Darlaston could ultimately lead to the creation of some 2,000 jobs and 125,000sqm of new floor space.
The cabinet session, which will be held in private, is on July 17.
