Plans could see jobs brought to disused site

A planning application from Brackley Property Developments has been submitted to Walsall Council for land on Reedswood Way, opposite the popular Reedswood Retail Park, which was developed around 15 years ago.

Since then, the land to the west of the retail park, has been unmanaged.

However plans to build an 18,500 square feet employment development, with Brackley confident that it will lead to new jobs in the area.

It is not known at this stage what form the final development will take.

According to developers it could be a single building or a number of buildings depending on the commercial market when the site is brought forward for development.

A statement from the developers reads: "Since the re-development of the adjacent commercial area was completed approximately 15 years ago, the site has been an unmanaged brownfield site comprising of grass, shrubs and vegetation.

"The proposed development will deliver sustainable commercial development that will have significant regeneration benefits by bringing vacant land back into use, creating local jobs and generating investment to support the local economy.

"The illustrative masterplan is indicative only and it is not known at this stage what form the final development will take. It may comprise a single building or a number of buildings depending on what the commercial market requires when the site is brought forward for development."

Councillor Tina Jukes, who represents the Birchills Leamore ward where the development will be built, said it was 'good news' for the area.

She said: "I welcome the plans because we don't have enough developments like this in our area, where we can bring jobs for local people.

"We have a great community but the area is a bit deprived in terms of its economy, this could be a big boost.

"If it brings warehouse jobs and things like that it would be great, but also if it is turned into retail space then it would really complement the Reedswood Retail Park and we could end up with something similar to what Wednesfield has with Bentley Bridge, so I hope these plans move forward quickly."

The site is situated just five minutes out from Walsall Town Centre, which is currently going through a period of regeneration, with a new cinema and restaurant quarter both opening in the last year.