£100 million Phoenix 10 project in Walsall takes step forward as plans submitted
One of the largest regeneration projects in the West Midlands has taken a step forward as a planning application has been submitted.
Property developer HBD has submitted a planning application for Phoenix 10, a major employment regeneration project in Walsall.
The 44-acre site has lain derelict for two decades and could now see as many as 1,100 new jobs return to the former home of the James Bridge Copper Works.
The £100 million project will deliver up to 620,000sq ft of employment space, attracting new jobs and investment.
HBD has partnered with Walsall Council and Homes England to deliver the project. The Black Country LEP and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) are supporting the project with funding for the site remediation phase of works.
Remediation works are expected to begin this year subject to planning permission, laying the groundwork for development to begin in 2023, with completion expected in 2027.
Simon Raiye, director at HBD, said: “This is the largest undeveloped brownfield site in the Black Country - while it is a challenging site, it’s extremely well-located and has huge potential.
"Phoenix 10 will bring a major economic boost to Walsall and the wider region, attracting new business and investment and creating much-needed new jobs. 20 years is a long time for a site to lay derelict so we’re really looking forward to getting started with remediation works and bringing it back into use.”
Progress
Deputy leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Adrian Andrew added: “I'm delighted that progress is being made on this project. We have a number of significant projects in the pipeline in Walsall which give me confidence in the future of the borough’s economy.”
Mayor of the West Midlands and chairman of the WMCA, Andy Street, said he will not let the Covid pandemic stop the plans.
He said: “One of the key aims of the WMCA in my time as Mayor has been to clear-up old industrial sites across the Black Country to make way for housing and commercial sites - and old industrial sites don’t come much bigger or more iconic than Phoenix 10.
“So I am absolutely delighted that after decades of being one of the region’s most recognisable eyesores the WMCA has been able to step in and get the ball rolling on redevelopment, which has today taken a major step forward with the official submission of the plans.
“We may still be in the eye of the Covid storm, but I refuse to let the pandemic knock our plans to clean-up old derelict industrial sites across the region off course. Not only does the WMCA’s cash help to remediate brownfield land ready for development, but it also helps to create local construction jobs at this difficult economic time, as well as protect precious greenbelt land across the West Midlands. It is critical work, and we have already secured more cash from the Government during the pandemic to carry on with our plans.”
