HCA and Walsall Council seek partner for Phoenix 10 scheme

THE Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Walsall Council are looking for a private sector partner to remediate and redevelop the vacant Phoenix 10 site for employment use.

The delivery of the Phoenix 10 site in Darlaston could lead to the creation of hundreds of local jobs and economic growth for the borough, they suggest.

Located next to the M6 within the Black Country Enterprise Zone, the 44 acre Phoenix 10 site comprises the former IMI Copper Works, owned by the HCA, and some adjoining council land formerly used as a waste tip.

Since the local consultation event last year, the council and HCA have been working towards an agreed joint way forward.

Subject to council cabinet approval, the joint landowners will start the procurement process to find a preferred private sector party, which they suggest could take around 12 to 18 months.

The whole project from partner selection to delivery of development on-site could take up to six years.

Once appointed the partner will be responsible for the planning and delivery of an appropriate remediation strategy and development, in consultation with the council and local stakeholders.

During the interim period the HCA is preparing a planning application to undertake site management works. This will include improvements to site fencing to reduce trespassing.

This month, work began on the £26m highways improvement scheme in Darlaston which will help unlock land and enhance local transport links for existing and new businesses.

Councillor Mohammad Nazir, portfolio holder for regeneration at Walsall Council, said: “There are very few sites of this size in the region which could make a massive contribution to employment opportunities for local people

“Delivery of the Phoenix 10 site for employment purposes is not only important for the economy of Walsall but the region as a whole.

“To generate these economic benefits, together with the HCA, it is proposed to invite the private sector to bid for the opportunity to take on the site and deliver the remediation work and its eventual development.”

Anne-Marie Simpson, head of area for Midlands central at the HCA, said: “We know through working closely with the council how important this site is to the future growth of the borough.

“We believe the private sector will give us the best opportunity to get this site moving and deliver the employment benefits that the site holds for Walsall.”

 

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