A major £100m redevelopment project in Walsall, backed by the local authority and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) among others, has submitted a planning application as it enters the next stage of the project.
The Phoenix 10 regeneration project will see the regeneration of one of the largest derelict sites in the region. The 44-acre site having previously been home to the James Bridge Copper Works but has lain derelict for the past two decades.
A multi-million-pound deal to fund the clean up of the land and make it ready for construction of new commercial premises which could eventually house as many as 1,100 new jobs.
Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, Andy Street, said: “One of the key aims of the WMCA in my time as Mayor has been to clear-up old industrial sites across the Black Country to make way for new housing and commercial schemes - and old industrial sites don’t come much bigger or more iconic than Phoenix 10.
“So, I am absolutely delighted that after decades of being one of the region’s most recognisable eyesores, the WMCA has been able to step in and get the ball rolling on its redevelopment, which has today taken a major step forward with the official submission of the plans.
“We may still be in the eye of the Covid storm, but I refuse to let the pandemic knock us off course in our plans to clean up old derelict sites.
“Not only does the WMCA’s cash help to remediate brownfield land ready for development, but it also helps to create local construction jobs at this difficult economic time, as well as protect precious green belt land across the West Midlands.
“It is critical work, and we have already secured even more cash from the Government during the pandemic to carry on with our plans.”
The project has seen the property developers strike a partnership with Walsall Council and Homes England to deliver the project, with the WMCA and Black Country LEP providing funding for the remediation of the site, which is expected to begin this year.
Construction works are expected to start in 2023, with a completion date earmarked as 2027.
The project will deliver up to 620,000 sq ft of employment space, attracting new jobs and investment and supporting the creation of a strong regional economy.
