Factory demolished after CPO to clear way for Keepmoat

Walsall Council has continued its programme of tackling derelict brownfield sites in Willenhall to make way for housing, the former Ingersoll-Rand premises known as Legge factory the latest to go.

A compulsory purchase of various sites completed last year. The CPO area included properties on Moat Street, Villiers Street, Newhall Street, Temple Bar, Cemetery Road and Stafford Street.

The factory became a hotspot for antisocial behaviour Credit: [email protected] / Walsall Council

The Ingersoll-Rand factory on Moat Street dated back to the 1800s but has been empty since the early 2000s.

Cllr Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the derelict Legge Factory building gone. The progress in Willenhall is brilliant and it’s great to see these eyesores come down.

“Attracting the funding and then going through the legal process to purchase the site and bring it forward for development has taken a long time so I’m very proud and excited that we’ve reached this milestone. This demolition will make way for new homes for our community, it’s a really exciting time for Willenhall.”

Shaun Fielding, regional managing director at Keepmoat West Midlands, said: “Working alongside the council, we have been able to progress with the remediation works to remove the derelict building in the process of meeting the demand and housing requirements of the local community.

“We’re looking forward to progressing our plans for the development, transforming an area previously prone to antisocial behaviour into a place where people want to live.”

The plan will see these sites demolished, cleared and transformed into homes for general market sale, 25% of which will be affordable in line with council planning policy.

Aerial view of the factory before demolition. Credit Stewart Writtle / Walsall Council