Plans in for £100m Phoenix 10 scheme

Plans have been submitted for a new £100 million commercial property project in the Black Country which could generate 1,100 new jobs.

The Phoenix 10 scheme will see the wholesale regeneration of the former James Bridge Copper Works in Walsall which has lain derelict for two decades.

The Birmingham office of Sheffield-based Henry Boot Developments is leading the regeneration of the 44-acre site at the junction of Darlaston Road and Reservoir Place next to the M6.

The overall plan is to build up to 620,000 sq ft of employment space, subject to consent, with Henry Boot partnering with Walsall Council and Homes England to deliver the project.

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Funding is being provided by Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and West Midlands Combined Authority.

Remediation work is expected to begin this year ahead of construction starting in 2023 and completion in 2027.

Henry Boot director Simon Raiye said: “This is the largest undeveloped brownfield site in the Black Country.

“While it is a challenging site, it’s extremely well located and has huge potential.

“Phoenix 10 will bring a major economic boost to Walsall and the wider region, attracting new business and investment and creating much-needed new jobs.

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“Twenty years is a long time for a site to lay derelict so we’re really looking forward to getting started with remediation works and bringing it back into use.”

Deputy leader of Walsall Council Cllr Adrian Andrew added: “I’m delighted that progress is being made on this project.

“We have a number of significant projects in the pipeline in Walsall which give me confidence in the future of the borough’s economy.”