£60m Walsall regeneration scheme moves major step closer
A £60m redevelopment of a former copper works has moved a major step closer.
Henry Boot Developments (HBD) has won the contract to deliver the 'Phoenix 10' scheme which will see the 44-acre industrial site running alongside the M6 southbound carriageway between junctions 9 and 10, brought back in to use.
The plot, formally James Bridge Copper Works, has the capacity to accommodate 620,000 sq ft of industrial floor space creating 1100 jobs, according to Walsall Council.
HBD will now work up a masterplan and look to start building work early next year.
Council leader Sean Coughlan said: "After an extensive search for the right partner we’re pleased to welcome Henry Boot Developments on board so that they can now work with us and our partners to take this site to the next stage.
“This is key strategic industrial site, not only in Walsall but the wider West Midlands, which is crying out to be regenerated.
"Phoenix 10 offers a great opportunity for new businesses to relocate to the region and for existing firms to expand. Supporting businesses to grow and the creation of jobs remains one of our top priorities.
“Phoenix 10 has huge potential and this is a very exciting time for the borough."
Development Director for Henry Boot Developments, Vivienne Clements, development director at Henry Boot Developments, said: “On the back of opening our new Birmingham office, we’re delighted to be involved in the transformation of Phoenix 10.
"This is an exceptional opportunity to work with our partners, Walsall Council and Homes England, to bring this former industrial site back to good use and create a new gateway to the Black Country.”
David Warburton, of Homes England, said: “Homes England is really pleased to be helping bring this important local site back into use.
"We have worked closely with partners to get to this important milestone and look forward to seeing redevelopment plans for Phoenix 10 progress in the coming months.
"As a key employment site for the Black Country, Phoenix 10 will play an important role in providing new jobs and revitalising the area.”
Tom Westley, Black Country LEP Board member said: “This site is an important part of the Black Country Enterprise Zone and its redevelopment will support the LEP’s aim to provide a pipeline of employment sites to meet existing demand.
"Access to the site will also benefit from the planned £65m investment in the enhancement of M6 J10."
