Multi-million Birchley Island restaurant gets go-ahead
Multi-million pound plans for a restaurant at Birchley Island at Oldbury have been given the green-light.
The restaurant between the island and the M5 slip road will create 80 full-time and part-time jobs and be part of the Greene King's Farmhouse Inn brand.
The site has previously been earmarked for a hotel and casino but both schemes never got off the ground.
The land will now be put into use after Sandwell Council gave planning permission to the restaurant scheme.
Developer St Modwen said in July work on the building work will begin next year.
The Farmhouse Inns chain of restaurants offer diners a daily carvery and are known for offering large cakes.
The scheme also includes a car park with 95 spaces.
The 13,811 sq ft restaurant will have two entrances to accommodate those visiting to dine and those using only the bar.
In 2011, planning permission was granted for a casino and an 80-bed hotel on the site, which is bounded by the A4123 Wolverhampton Road to the south.
The £6 million never got off the ground due to problems securing operators for the premises.
