Remediation works have moved a step closer for one of the West Midlands’ largest regeneration projects as proposals for Phoenix 10 received approval at planning committee, subject to a limited number of matters being dealt with.

The former home of the James Bridge Copper Works has been disused for more than 20 years. Now, with property developer HBD, Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Black Country LEP pushing ahead with the project, life is due to return to the huge 44-acre site.

Given its industrial past, the Walsall site requires extensive remediation works ahead of construction commencing on the new development.

The coming years will see HBD deliver up to 620, 000 sq. ft. of employment space at Phoenix 10, driving investment into the area plus projected job creation of circa 1,000.

Visible from the M6 and accessed via Junction 9 and 10, it is well located and is likely to attract strong interest from potential occupiers.

Simon Raiye, Director at HBD, said: “This site is the largest undeveloped brownfield site in the Black Country and has huge regeneration potential. Having been derelict for more than 20 years, the first step is the remediation of the site, which is due to get underway in the Autumn. It’s an exciting scheme that will add massive value to the local community in Walsall and support a thriving regional economy.”

HBD is delivering Phoenix 10 on behalf of partners Walsall Council and Homes England, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Black Country LEP has provided grant funding for remediation works. The developer is working to an ambitious programme, with remediation aiming to complete by Q4 2023.

Simon Neilson, Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Communities at Walsall Council said: “We anticipate a great deal of interest from businesses wishing to relocate to such a well-connected location like Phoenix 10. This will be a major boost to Walsall’s economy and a visible statement of regeneration in our borough, alongside M6 Junction 10 and the new Darlaston train station.”

In addition to its Birmingham base, HBD also has offices in London, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow. One of the UK’s most active developers, it focuses on projects within three key sectors; urban commercial and urban residential and industrial and logistics.