Historic Sun Works industrial site earmarked for demolition
A former landmark industrial site near Merry Hill could be demolished to make way for a storage base, it has been revealed.
The Sun Works land would be taken over by Safestore Holdings to create units to rent to private individuals and firms, under plans lodged with Dudley Council.
The site has been derelict since steel firm Bird Stevens went into administration in March 2016.
There are 16 buildings that were used for the manufacture and fabrication of metalwork together with materials storage, loading areas and car parking.
Councillor Jackie Cowell, who represents the Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood wards, said that she would welcome something ‘constructive’ being done with the site.
She explained: “I have seen a document put forward for the plans, which is good because it has been a considerable amount of time that the site has stood empty now.
“Derelict buildings and sites like this do not do much for the environment, or the local businesses, and if it can be turned to better use instead of sitting there then that is something we would welcome.
“It may also bring more people to the area, which is a plus. We will see how it goes at committee, but it seems to be a constructive idea at the minute.”
Established business
The Sun Works industrial was built on Sun Street in 1913. Robert Stevens and William Bird went on to pay £250 for a section of the site in 1936.
The company operated a number of traditional metal manufacturing processes, including press work, welding, galvanising, fabrication and tube forming from the site.
Planning documents state: “It is considered that the existing building structures are at the end of their useful life cycle.
“Consequently it is proposed to demolish all existing buildings within the site to enable the site’s redevelopment. The site was identified as being able to accommodate the size of storage facility required and was local enough to the established residential areas of the Stourbridge, Halesowen and Dudley conurbation to ensure that there would be an adequate potential customer base.
“Safestore have an established business in the West Midlands and are keen to expand in the area.”
