500 jobs on way at huge new £24 million Walsall estate
More than 500 jobs could be created at a new trading estate in Walsall under ambitious £24 million plans.
A funding application from St. Francis Group to build five industrial units at Middlemore Lane in Aldridge has been approved.
It would see a 244,373sq ft (22,703 sq m) plot of brownfield land brought back into use.
The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership has approved around £4m towards the project.
Bosses said the scheme offers 'good value for money' and would create 'good quality industrial accommodation'.
The speculative development would also accommodate up to 503 new jobs on the site for any firms moving into Walsall or safeguard the same amount if any business within the town relocated.
Aldridge has had a rich industrial history but has seen some big firms close down in recent years including the loss of McKechnie Glass which saw 75 jobs axed.
Walsall Councillor Tim Wilson, who represents Aldridge central and south, declared it was good news to hear investment being pumped back in.
He said: "It is very good news for the area and nice to see it utilised rather than vandalised as it has been lately.
"Regeneration is the key thing at the moment so it is great to see funds are being pumped back into the local economy to create jobs."
Fellow ward councillor John Murray added: "This will be great for employment in the area. It is fantastic news for local people and will add to the existing facilities which Aldridge already has."
The LEP is set to plough £4,033,395 into the project.
Paul Mellon from Black Country Consortium Ltd said: "The proposed project is a significant speculative industrial development scheme in an established industrial location."
He added: "Overall the scheme offers a reasonable level of value for money and particularly good value for money in relation to number of jobs created."
