Contractor John F Hunt is to start demolition of the former James Bridge Copper Works in Walsall – a 44-acre brownfield site that has been disused for two decades.

Remediation is expected to conclude in early 2024, with construction beginning shortly afterwards.

Property developer HBD in partnership with Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority and Black Country LEP, is bringing forward the project to build 620,000 sq ft of space in the form of five shed projects.

Disused James Bridge Copper Works site in Walsall

Simon Raiye, Director at HBD, said: “Phoenix 10 is one of the largest and most complex regeneration projects underway in the Midlands and will offer the region a huge boost in creating new jobs and helping to build a thriving economy.

“It’s great to be able to get started on cleaning the site up and giving it new purpose. It is extremely well located and played an important role in the town’s history, so we look forward to seeing the new scheme begin to take shape over the coming years.”

Cllr Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council said: “This is a major milestone in the transformation of this brownfield site.

“Seeing derelict land returned to good use is proof of Walsall’s continued regeneration. Once this vital work is completed we’ll see a modern, commercial development rise from the ashes and create hundreds of local jobs in Pleck, Walsall and the wider region.”