£110m transformation of former copper works moves forward
Henry Boot’s £110m industrial and logistics project has taken a step forward after reserved matters planning consent was secured for 464,000 sq ft.
The three units at SPARK in Walsall, form part of the wider transformation of the former James Bridge Copper Works site, once the largest undeveloped brownfield site in the Black Country.
HBD, the group’s property investment and development arm is spearheading the wider 620,000 sq ft scheme, which is expected to generate 1,100 jobs. It is being delivered in partnership with Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority and Black Country LEP.
The site is currently undergoing specialised remediation works, which HBD is set to complete in Q3 2024.
HBD says it is already seeing occupier interest in this prime scheme and is aiming to begin construction on the first of the three newly consented units in Q4 2024, with a target of being ready for occupation in the summer of 2025. The first unit is expected to add £40m to HBD’s current £154m GDV committed programme.
Units at SPARK will range from 20,000 sq ft to 254,000 sq ft, providing sustainable space for the Midlands’ world-class manufacturing and logistics economy.
Tim Roberts, CEO of Henry Boot PLC, commented: “Industrials and logistics remains one of our high conviction sectors and carrying out the specialised remediation works and securing detailed planning for the first three units at SPARK is testament to HBD’s expertise in navigating an increasingly onerous and complex planning system. We’re already seeing good occupier interest in the project, due to the lack of high-quality space with strong sustainability credentials in prime Midlands locations, which gives us confidence that we will have secured an occupier and started on site developing the first units by the end of the year. This new logistics and manufacturing hub will add to our growing industrial portfolio and replenish our committed development programme.”
Philippa Venables, Director of Regeneration and Economy at Walsall Council said: “We are thrilled to see HBD progress with the Reserved Matters planning for the first three units at SPARK, marking a significant milestone in the development of this landmark logistics and manufacturing hub in Walsall. The collaboration between HBD, Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority, and Black Country LEP underscores our commitment to driving economic growth and creating job opportunities in the region.”
Mike Goulding, Development Director Central at Homes England, said: “This marks an important step forward and adds further momentum to the SPARK project. We are pleased to be working collaboratively, to drive forward a project that will transform this large brownfield site into a sustainable place that will increase employment opportunities in the area.”
