Major scheme set to start
Date Published : 22 February 2011
An ambitious project which could lead to 4,000 new jobs is set to come a step closer, major land reclamation must take place before the former IMI site off Darlaston Road can be re-developed, as a first step, drilling is expected to take place to test the condition of the land on the site and the surrounding area from Monday February 28.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The IMI site – or Phoenix 10 as it is now known – is heavily contaminated.
“We have been working with partner Parkhill for the long term aim of restoring this land and allowing the flowers of enterprise to bloom here.
“It’s a long road but a vital step along this road are tests to understand the condition of the land.
“We want to keep residents fully informed about what is taking place. They may see drilling rigs in the Alumwell area but this is part of proposals to remove this blot on the landscape from that community.”
Parkhill Estates MD Niall Crabb said:"The Parkhill Group welcomes the opportunity to partner with the council to remediate and redevelop this strategically important site in Walsall."
The locations for drilling which will take up to five weeks to complete include the Phoenix 10 site itself together with adjoining council-owned land.
Restoration and development of the land would see £18 million invested, £12m by developers Parkhill with a £6 million grant for Government funding already tabled by the company supported by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Partnership is taking on key regeneration duties from Advantage West Midlands which owns the site and is funding the test drilling.
A further £30 million of funding is being sought by Walsall Council from central government in order to fund an extensive road improvement scheme in Darlaston.
As part of the highways project, key junctions and roads are set to be widened in Darlaston to help the flow of traffic to the Phoenix 10 site and wider area.
The 35-acre plot of land has lain derelict for more than two decades and is perfectly positioned for both junctions nine and ten of the M6.
Contact us
For more information about the drilling email shake@wardell-armstrong.com