Multi-million-pound factory set for former Black Country school site
The site of a former Black Country school is set to be redeveloped into a multi-million-pound industrial facility for a company supplying to the automotive sector.
Trebor Developments has entered into conditional contracts with Steel & Alloy Processing to bring forward the new development, set for the former Albright High School in Popes Lane, Oldbury.
The proposed development of the 11.6-acre site will consist of a 300,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, which will significantly expand the existing production capacity of Steel & Alloy Processing, which is currently based in West Bromwich.
Mark Cooper, managing director, Steel & Alloy Processing, said after purchasing the site from Sandwell Council last year, everyone connected with the business was pleased to see the plan move forward.
“This new facility will be less than one mile from our existing head office and will enable us to invest in new technologies putting us at the forefront of steel processing for a rapidly changing steel industry,” he said.
“This is a very significant, multi-million-pound investment in the steel processing sector to support the growing UK automotive sector. This investment is unlike anything that has been seen in the UK for a very long time, which confirms the confidence that Gonvarri Steel Industries has in the Steel & Alloy Management team and the UK automotive sector.”
The scheme is also a show of confidence in the region’s steel processing industry after the collapse of Caparo last year.
The site already has outline planning permission for B1 and B2 development. Subject to approval of reserved matters by Sandwell Borough Council, the development could begin next spring and be operational by 2018, creating new jobs in the area.
Bob Tattrie, managing partner for Trebor Developments, said the scheme offered exciting potential for both Steel & Alloy Processing and the immediate area.
“It is excellent news for the West Midlands and Black Country economy to see such a major industrial investment within Oldbury,” he said.
Cllr Steve Eling, leader of Sandwell Council, said: “It is heartening to see this significant level of investment coming into Oldbury at this time, the new jobs being created by Steel & Alloy are very welcome and is further demonstration of Sandwell being at the heart of the manufacturing economy of the West Midlands.”
Trebor Developments was represented by joint marketing agents, Knight Frank and Bulleys.
