Regeneration of former bread factory site takes step forward

The 50th new home has now been completed on the once derelict site of the former Harvestime Bakery in Walsall.

The 88-home development by Vistry Partnerships has been made possible by a £1.5m investment by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) which has been used to clean up the site and make it suitable for housing.

Harvestime closed nine years ago and the 4.6-acre site remained derelict until the WMCA stepped in to fund the clean-up and prepare the ground for new housing.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “The redevelopment of derelict sites across the region is a key part of our economic plan to unlock our region’s potential. Ploughing on with developments like Harvestime during the pandemic is helping our economy recover from the impact of Covid, kickstarting the creation of new jobs and good quality, affordable homes for local people.

“So, it’s really encouraging that despite the turmoil of the last 18 months work has continued to progress on this site, one of many across the region we have been redeveloping.

“Harvestime and similar brownfield sites are notoriously difficult to develop, which is why they’ve remained derelict for so long. But with the funds we’ve secured from Government, we’re able to intervene and clean up the land, making it ready for new homes or commercial workplaces.

“Without the West Midlands Combined Authority’s investment, these sites would remain undeveloped, but by unlocking them for homes and jobs we’re able to bring communities back to life, whilst crucially relieving pressure to build on our precious green belt.”

The scheme is being constructed by Vistry Partnerships.