Detailed planning goes in for £188m logistics hub

HBD has submitted reserved matters planning for the first phase of its £188m GVA SPARK scheme – a major step forward for the 44-acre landmark logistics and manufacturing hub.

SPARK is one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe, transforming the former James Bridge Copper Works –the largest undeveloped brownfield site in the Black Country – into a highly sustainable new scheme.

The development will play a major role in attracting inward investment and could see as many as 1,100 new jobs return to the once-thriving site.

The submission of reserved matters comes as enabling works, which began in 2022 and are being carried out by John F Hunt, begin to draw to a close.

Once complete, SPARK will provide 620,000 sq. ft. of high-spec space, with units ranging from 20,000 sq. ft. to 254,000 sq. ft.

SPARK is being delivered by HBD in partnership with Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority and Black Country LEP. The first units will be ready for occupation in Q1 2025.

Vivienne Clements, head of industrial and logistics at HBD, said: “SPARK is a significant regeneration scheme, both in terms of its size and scale and its importance to the region. With site enabling works progressing well, it’s fantastic to be able to submit Reserved Matters planning and start the next stage of the project, bringing the first units forward.”