Henry Boot announces that HBD has secured Reserved Matters planning consent for three units totalling 43,154m2 at SPARK, Walsall, its c. €128.70 gross development value, industrial and logistical project.
The wider 57,600m2 SPARK project is being delivered in partnership with Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority, and Black Country LEP. The former James Bridge Copper Works site, once the largest undeveloped brownfield site in the Black Country, is currently undergoing specialized remediation works, which HBD is set to complete in Q3 2024.
Units at SPARK range from 1,858m2 to 23,600m2, providing sustainable space Midlands. Located adjacent to junctions 9 and 10 of the M6, it offers market-leading infrastructure and power provisions, alongside a strong local skills base.
Tim Roberts, CEO of Henry Boot PLC, commented: “Industrials and logistics remains one of our high conviction sectors and carrying out the specialized remediation works and securing detailed planning for the first three units at SPARK is a testament to HBD’s expertise in navigating an increasingly onerous and complex planning system. We’re already seeing good occupier interest in the project, due to the lack of high-quality space with strong sustainability credentials in prime Midlands locations, which gives us confidence that we will have secured an occupier and started on-site developing the first units by the end of the year. This new logistics and manufacturing hub will add to our growing industrial portfolio and replenish our committed development programme.”
Philippa Venables, Director of Regeneration and Economy at Walsall Council said: “We are thrilled to see HBD progress with the Reserved Matters planning for the first three units at SPARK, marking a significant milestone in the development of this landmark logistics and manufacturing hub in Walsall. The collaboration between HBD, Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority, and Black Country LEP underscores our commitment to driving economic growth and creating job opportunities in the region.”
Mike Goulding, Development Director Central at Homes England, said: “This marks an important step forward and adds further momentum to the SPARK project. We are pleased to be working collaboratively, to drive forward a project that will transform this large brownfield site into a sustainable place that will increase employment opportunities in the area.”
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