Have your say over the future of Chance Glassworks next to M5
Members of the public are being given the chance to help deliver a masterplan to transform an iconic glassworks site.
The trust aiming to redevelop the Chance Glassworks site next to the M5 in Smethwick is to offer shares to the public, allowing them to have a say in the ambitious project.
Bosses behind the scheme are hoping to raise up to £250,000 through the sale of the shares, which will give buyers the opportunity to help shape the direction of the development.
The £30 million plans for the eyesore eight-acre site were first revealed in 2016 and include renovating the famous seven-storey Chance building which has fallen to ruins overlooking the motorway.
Homes and shops form part of plans to breathe new life into the site.
Members will soon be working on a planning application and it is now hoped construction work will begin next year.
The development has run into a series of complications including a row with a skip firm and wrangles over leases.
Cash from the sale of the shares will be used to help progress the development, including bringing in a project manager to oversee it.
Shares will be available for £20 each, though people can spend more if they wish.
Mark Davies, from the trust, said: “Trustees are keen for local people to have control and a voice in taking the project forward.
It gives the community a real opportunity to own the project and guide it going forward.
“The focus now is on phase one, developing the seven-storey building and adjacent workshop and yard. That is the immediate focus.
“Sandwell Council have been more supportive than they were and we are in discussions with the combined authority as well.
“We’re applying for a Heritage Lottery grant of £4.9 million and we hope to have a spade in the ground by the end of next year.”
The Chance Brothers Glassworks off Spon Lane was a household name in its heyday and around 90 per cent of all reflective glass used for lighthouses around the world was produced by the firm.
The glass face on London’s Big Ben was also made in Smethwick.
An event will be held at Smethwick Library on High Street on Saturday, February 29 at 11am where people will be able to find out more about how to purchase shares.
