Work is progressing well on Spark Walsall, previously known as Phoenix 10, to make it ready for the creation of industrial space to let and create more than 1,000 new jobs for the area.
John F Hunt Regeneration has so far excavated and treated 1.3 million tonnes of soils which will be reused on the site, while 150,000 tonnes of concrete has been crushed and processed to produce recycled aggregate.
Walsall Council deputy leader Adrian Andrew said: “This is brilliant progress. This is going to be a site that is going to create employment space for 1,000-1,500 local people to get local jobs and bring in that investment into the heart of Walsall. The work is incredible. To keep seeing that progress is unbelievable. The fact that all the concrete has practically gone, the soil is being stacked up ready to be put back, work is being done on the canal. Most of the stuff hasn’t been taken off site and materials which have are those that can be used for recycling. It’s being done in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. We’ve been living with this for the best part of 20 years so to think the clean-up works could be finished by next summer is stunning.”
Justin Sheldon, Head of Region, HBD, said: “Spark is one of the most significant regeneration schemes in the Midlands, particularly in terms of the inward investment value and job creation. It’s fantastic to now be able to move onto the next phase of development at the site and we look forward to seeing the scheme begin to take shape. It’s extremely well-located, which has helped to drive strong interest from potential occupiers which is very positive.”