Jobs hope as masterplan unveiled for old Aldridge brassworks
An historic Walsall metalworks is poised to be bulldozed and the land re-developed bringing hundreds of jobs back to the site.
The former McKechnie Brass factory has sat abandoned in the middle of Aldridge for nearly four years falling prey to arsonists and vandals.
Now the St. Francis Group, also based in Aldridge, has applied to demolish the remains of the factory in Middlemore Lane changing the use of the site to include light industrial purposes as well as storage and distribution.
And part of the firm’s bid will be to build 22,703sq m of new units bringing life back to the 14-acre plot which has been abandoned for nearly four years.
McKechnie dated back more than a century moving to Walsall in 1954 but shut down in 2013 amid debts of £3.8 million causing 60 job losses.
It was thought to be the UK’s last remaining factory making brass rods and copper wires for a range of products including copper alloys and padlocks.
The empty site has since become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and was set on fire in a suspected arson attack last year.
Aldridge Councillor Keith Sears said: “Initially it sounds like a good idea so long as it is retained for industry. It is exactly what this area needs and in fact what most areas need. The site is in need of regeneration.
"I have heard there have been problems with crime in the buildings and I would be concerned about the safety of anyone going inside. What if they fell? We don’t want any tragedies.”
Sketches and mock-up designs show two large units fronting on to Middlemore Lane with an access road running between them into the middle of the scheme towards three smaller units backing on to the Daw End Branch Canal.
The developer has stated this initial application, should it be approved by Walsall Council, will be followed up by more detailed plans which would set out the exact size and layout of the buildings.
Planning documents say: “This scheme will be a locally important employment led development.
"It is critical that the proposals are of the highest quality, with the site master planned so that it maximises the benefits for the occupiers and neighbours alike. Key to this objective will be the considered siting of buildings within a well-designed site.”
