How Walsall is supporting local businesses to grow and thrive
Walsall is in the middle of a £1.5 billion programme of investment, from road infrastructure and improved public transport connectivity, to an enhanced town centre, new housing and employment sites.
In the last 5-10 years, Walsall Council and its network of partners have created 3,600 jobs and 1,721 new homes and has been a partner in the delivery of the £78m M6 Junction 10 improvement scheme.
The council is currently creating a further 1,067 homes, 1,724 jobs as well as supporting delivery of new railway stations.
The development of derelict and brownfield sites will create over 2million square-feet of brand-new, high-spec floorspace, ready for business investment across the borough.
One example is the SPARK site, located close to M6 Junction 10. A comprehensive programme of enabling works completed at the end of 2024 with construction due to commence early this year.
The site, which spans some 40 acres, will be home to 7 high-spec manufacturing and logistics units ranging from 20,000 – 315,000 sq ft. With a prime location at the centre of the national motorway network and close to the new Darlaston train station there are strong transport links to Birmingham and the wider region, providing a fantastic opportunity for businesses to position themselves in the heart of the West Midlands.
Walsall borough is a popular base for companies that need excellent accessibility and connectivity. Centrally located, the borough of Walsall has excellent links to the rest of the UK, with Birmingham International Airport just 30 minutes away and extensive road links from the nearby M6 and M5 motorways.
As well as ambitious growth plans, Walsall is home to a world-renowned manufacturing sector, a skilled workforce, and a growing population. Whilst the borough has a rich history, it is also home to some incredibly innovative, forward-thinking and dynamic businesses from a range of sectors.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council: “As a Council, Walsall is committed to supporting local businesses to grow and thrive in our borough.
"Creating local jobs and opportunities for local people is key in growing the economy and improving the quality of life for our residents. We can take various roles to support investors and developers who share our ambition to create opportunities in Walsall and are willing to directly intervene to move plans forward when needed.
“It’s an exciting time for Walsall as we really start to see plans moving forward. From buildings starting to come out of the ground at SPARK, to spades in the ground bringing forward our ambitious plans in Walsall town centre, there are a whole host of opportunities on the horizon and it’s a great time for businesses and developers to get in touch and join us on our journey.”
