Phase two plans lodged for landmark logistics scheme

HBD has submitted a reserved matters planning application for the second phase of SPARK, the developer’s landmark manufacturing and logistics scheme in Walsall.

The second phase will provide three units of 39,094 sq ft, 37,900 sq ft and 24,347 sq ft. Construction is expected to begin in January 2026, with completion in Q3 2026.

The site, which was once home to the James Bridge Copper Works and was the largest undeveloped brownfield site in the Black Country, will provide a total of 620,000 sq ft of BREEAM Excellent space when complete.

It follows the start of construction on the first phase last month, which is being delivered by industrial and logistics platform Origin, a joint venture between HBD and Feldberg Capital.

HBD delivered a complex two-year remediation project to clear the site for development, working with Walsall Council, Homes England, Black Country LEP and WMCA.

Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD said: “Work is progressing quickly at SPARK with phase one on-site and expected to complete in Q4 this year, and planning now submitted for a further three units. Supply of well-located, sustainable I&L space remains constrained within the West Midlands so it’s positive to be able to deliver the scheme on a speculative basis to meet established demand.”

The agents for SPARK are Cushman & Wakefield and Knight Frank.