Deal signed to restore contaminated site into major industrial scheme

A multimillion-pound deal has been signed to transform a derelict Black Country, described as one of the most contaminated in Europe, into a thriving industrial estate which will create more than 1,000 jobs.

Up until 1999, the Phoenix 10 site was partly occupied by the James Bridge Copper Works and is heavily contaminated from previous uses which has hampered efforts to bring it back into use.

Now, after a deal between the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Walsall Council, Homes England, the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and Henry Boot Developments, the new Phoenix 10 scheme between junctions 9 and 10 of the M6 has taken a major step forward.

Funding from the WMCA will pay for the clean-up of the contaminated site, paving the way for the construction of new commercial premises.

The Phoenix 10 development is expected to provide around 620,000 sq ft of employment floor space across the site. Around 1,000 temporary construction jobs and more than 1,100 full-time jobs are expected to be created once completed and occupied.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “This is another great example of how the WMCA is able to use its money to regenerate former industrial land to deliver jobs, business and prosperity in the Black Country.

“At the same time we continue to make good progress on the reopening of the nearby Walsall to Wolverhampton rail line with new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston – again helping to unlock further derelict land for industry and housing.

“These exciting schemes are helping to breathe new life into this part of the Black Country while driving economic growth, giving people better opportunities for a decent home and job.”

Cllr Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council and WMCA portfolio holder for land and housing, said: “The announcement today is a fantastic achievement after many years of false starts.
“What was one of the most contaminated sites in Europe will now be home to hundreds of new jobs. I’m delighted that Walsall Council has been able to deliver this hand in hand with the combined authority, Black Country LEP and the Mayor.”

The site, which is currently jointly owned by Homes England and Walsall Council, is the largest potential employment site in the Black Country and one of the largest brownfield employment opportunities in the West Midlands.

Work on cleaning up the land, ready for development work to be carried out by Henry Boot Development, is expected to start in 2020.