Glassworks masterplan won't be smashed by funding loss, say bosses

Progress on a scheme to redevelop the derelict Chance Glassworks site next to the M5 in Smethwick has been slow but the trust leading the overhaul said it remains committed to seeing the job through - and wants construction work to begin within 12 months.

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.

But the development has ran into a series of complications including a row with a skip firm and wrangles over leases.

Now the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has withdrawn crucial funding of £660,000 due to delays and changes to the plans. However, the LEP has indicated it would be prepared to support the project again in the future.

Mark Davies, from the Chance Heritage Trust, which is behind the plans, said he had always anticipated there would be challenges with such a large and ambitious project.

The trust has been able to secure leases for large part of the site but not for buildings on the canalside area, which the LEP described as a "danger to the public", meaning, as things stand, they would be left out of the scheme. Negotiations to buy the seven-storey building are ongoing and the trust is confident of securing a deal.

Mr Davies said: "We are concentrating on phase one, the seven-storey building which is the most iconic part of the site and the adjacent workshop and yard. We're in the process of finalising a National Lottery heritage funding application to support that.

"The LEP has said it is still interested and keen to support the project. We have met with Sandwell Council and the leader Yvonne Davies who has been very supportive.

"There is a lot of work going on, the yard area has been cleared but in terms of construction work not yet. We hope to be in a position to start work within 12 months."

Mr Davies added: "These industrial buildings are complex sites complicated by ownership issues."

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.

Mr Davies said: "We are looking to do something with the seven-storey building in time for the Commonwealth Games (in 2022) and the links with the lighthouse which are still all around the world.

"We have got these international links. At the moment when you drive along the motorway it is an eyesore but wouldn't it be great if we could have something vibrant there?"