Stamp works land is key to new-look Wolverhampton
A derelict former industrial site near Wolverhampton city centre is being earmarked for a major new development.
The former Edward Vaughan stamping works site in Lower Horseley Fields is next to the 'Welcome to Wolverhampton' sign.
Bosses hope to make the area more attractive to future investors and workers are on site cleaning the site up.
It has previously been branded one of the city's worst eyesores.
Wolverhampton City Council has knocked back previous planned developments on the site.
And now the local authority is hoping to attract a big-money development for such a key part of the city.
The area neighbours a proposed new Canalside Quarter stretching from Horseley Fields to Fiveways Island as part of a 12-year Wolverhampton masterplan.
Council spokesman Tom Hobbins said the former Edward Vaughan stamping works was an important part of the plan.
He added: "The future development at Horseley Fields will play an important part of the regeneration of the Canalside area of the city.
"It will complement multi-million pound projects across Wolverhampton to bring new homes, business and jobs and attract more visitors.
"These developments are transforming the city but they do not happen overnight and we want to get it right.
"An environmental company is now operating on site to prepare it and ensure it is safe and suitable for development."
Cala Homes applied to build 133 homes on the former Vaughan stampings site in 2007 but permission was refused.
Last year opposition Tory leader Councillor Wendy Thompson called for the site to be redevelopment.
Mounds of rubbish were cleared from the site in 2010 following legal action by the city council.
The area had become a magnet for fly tippers after security fencing was repeatedly broken down.
The land was left littered with abandoned chemical drums, tyres and piles of other rubbish.
Council officials took the land owner to court and were on the verge of doing so again when they finally got a response.
A city centre cinema and 2,000 new homes will be built as part of the city centre masterplan.
It also includes public squares, scores of shops and a supermarket on Stafford Street.
All Saints, Blakenhall, Graiseley, Chapel Ash and West Park will also be improved as part of hugely ambitious plans.
And there could be a Molineux Quarter around the stadium with a public square for football fans and students to enjoy.
