Eyesore Wolverhampton industrial estate could be replaced by 70 homes in plan
An eyesore industrial estate that was once home to a major car manufacturer could be replaced by up to 70 homes, it has emerged.
Many of the units at the Tower and Fort Works in Graiseley now stand empty after businesses were moved on with the help of Wolverhampton City Council.
Plans to redevelop the Pelham Street site have been in the pipeline for years. And proposals for housing have now been included in the council's 12-year masterplan for the city for the coming years.
Bosses are currently looking for developers to take on the project, which is seen as a way to kickstart the regeneration of the area.
The council is in the process of relocating at least 10 companies from the site.
The works were once home to the country's third largest car manufacturer, Clyno, before it moved out in 1927 and were later occupied by Midland Metal Spinners who made Presto and Tower pressure cookers, saucepans and kettles.
Council bosses say the buildings are underused and would serve the city better if they were knocked down so that developers could do something else with them.
The latest plans have been included in the city's area action plan, which lays out ambitions for future developments.
Council leisure boss and Graiseley ward councillor Elias Mattu said: "I would like to see the site redeveloped, not only will it address the housing shortage in the city but also it will regenerate that area.
"Most of the units there have outlived their life and they need demolishing, and I would welcome housing being built on the site.
"It would be good to see the new development there. There are still some businesses there but we want to assure them that they will be looked after when they move.
"They are a crucial part of our city and our plans for the future. The economic regeneration of the city can not be achieved without businesses."
The Fort Works building is locally listed and would need to be retained during the demolition.
At least 490 new homes will be built in Graiseley and Blakenhall as part of the long term revamp of the city, according to the action plan.
There are also ambitions for a canal quarter, city centre cinema , public squares and scores of shops across Wolverhampton, and a supermarket in Stafford Street.
Some 2,123 homes will be built across the city by 2026, with 630 of those in the new canalside development.
A public consultation on the area action plan runs until February 27. Visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk to see a copy of the document.
