‘Critical’ strip of Wolverhampton land poised for transformation in bid to create 300 jobs
A masterplan to bring up to 300 new jobs into the Black Country through the transformation of brownfield land has been drawn up by chiefs.
Bosses at Wolverhampton Council will hand off 17 acres of the former industrial land to provide 100,000 square feet for businesses to develop.
Leaders say the move is “another critical piece” of the overall Bilston Urban Village project – which will see more than 400 homes built on the land.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, cabinet member for city economy, said: “It is even more critical now to provide new opportunities for our residents as we look to recover economically from the impact of Covid-19.
"We are realising our vision of affordable urban living for hundreds of families – all right at the heart of Bilston.
“The urban village offers extensive areas of open space to enjoy on the doorstep, new schools for kids to learn in, a top-class leisure centre nearby, a new family pub/restaurant on tap and further investment planned for the town centre.”
Under the proposals, the cleaned up land will be given to a delivery partner to spearhead the move – with market-testing last year showing a number of developers were interested in building on the site.
Infrastructure
The area is at the east of the urban village, to the rear of the Morrison’s supermarket – bordering the Midland Metro to the east and Bankfield Road to the west.
It has been earmarked for offices and for general industrial use, with access proposed off Brook Street in the town and the use of heavy lorries minimised.
The project has taken a step forward following multi-million pound investment by the council, Homes England, and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership to remediate the land.
It has seen former factory floors broken up, the old railway embankment removed, mineshafts being treated and highways and drainage infrastructure installed.
A total of 78 homes have already been built as part of the scheme off Dudley Street, with work now starting on the 420-home development off Coseley Road across 27 acres.
A newly-built Marston’s family pub and restaurant, the White Rabbit, and the new Loxdale Primary School also form key components of Bilston Urban Village.
Councillor Simkins added: “This will help get more former industrial land ready for development, creating employment sites and homes.”
A report on the plans will be discussed at a council meeting next Wednesday.
