IN PICTURES: Work on Sunbeam factory flats is motoring ahead
These are the latest images of Wolverhampton's former Sunbeam factory, which is being turned into 116 homes in an £11.5 million project.
The landmark building, where the famous motorcycles were built, sits just off the Penn Road island and had become somewhat of an eyesore having lain empty since 1997.
However, property developer Liam Wordley purchased the building from regeneration company Urban Splash in 2013 with the intention to redevelop the whole site.
Work is well under way, and some tenants have now even moved in, with the project set to be completed in 14 months. Mr Wordley insists the demand for apartments has been 'strong' so far.
"It's just a great quality space to live in I think, and my thoughts are being backed up by people voting with their feet if you like," he said. "There's no point in having a big building like this that was empty, spending a lot of money to convert it into another building that remains empty.
Mr Wordley pointed out in one of the rooms that although the Penn Road island was busy, no traffic noise could be heard inside due to the glazing used for the windows.
He said he has spent a lot of time with Wolverhampton council going through exact specifications to ensure properties are of the highest quality.
"We spend a lot of time with the local authority – designing, confirming, glazing specifications, trialling it, sound testing," said Mr Wordley.
"The list goes on, and that's just one aspect – that's just the windows.
"And then you've got to do all of the same for every other aspect of the property, and then all of a sudden you realise you are just scratching the surface."
From the late 1800s, most of Sunbeam's bicycle, motorcycle, and some motor car production was carried out at the site.
Perhaps most notably, Sir Malcolm Campbell's Bluebird Sunbeam car, which set a world speed record in 1924, was produced at the site.
When production was switched a to a factory in Fallings Park in the 1950s, the lockmakers C E Marshall occupied the site.
In acknowledgement of the history of the building, a Sunbeam S8 motorcycle from 1952 hangs from the ceiling as you go through the main entrance.
When asked if retaining the building's heritage is important to him, Mr Wordley revealed that the Sunbeam sign will be put back on the apex of the building and added: "Of course, otherwise it's just not going to look right. It was a huge part of what we were doing, and the Sunbeam sign is going back on the apex.
"That will really make a big difference as well, that's the iconic shot everyone remembers. It's definitely unique to the city, in terms of being proud – I have said this before – I just don't have time to be proud yet. That day will come."
Peter Bilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for City Assets at Wolverhampton City Council, has backed the 'wonderful' development, which will bring a 'wow factor' to the city.
He said: "There's a definite wow factor about it, its a landmark building for us in Wolverhampton. We need to have a balance between creating the new, that we have done at the i10, a commercial building that we've just completed and are in the process of letting and fitting out.
"Compared to then investing in some of our older buildings, restoring them, regenerating them in the way that has happened here at Sunbeam, and Sunbeamland as it is affectionately sometimes referred to."
