Folkes signs off Starbucks Dudley drive-thru
Black Country developer Folkes has completed a new retail scheme at the Washington Centre Trading Estate in Netherton, bringing a vacant plot back into use.
Dudley council granted planning permission in December last year for the 1,800 sq ft extension to the trading estate off Halesowen Road, a scheme which includes 24 parking spaces and six electric vehicle charging bays.
The £1.3m development, off Halesowen Road, will be operated by the Magic Bean Company, Starbucks’ UK franchised business partner.
Hinton Design & Build Limited were main contractors, while Trinity Property Consultants managed the project.
The opening is the latest investment by Folkes Properties, following a string of acquisitions across the Midlands including a 44,843 sq ft warehouse on Pedmore Road in January 2024, ten industrial units totalling 31,265 sq ft at Vale Park South in September 2025, and the 31,066 sq ft Unit 1 at Fairview Industrial Estate in Curdworth in January 2026.
The firm now owns 12 estates across the Midlands, with its portfolio comprising more than 1.5 million sq ft of commercial property valued at £133m. Its tenants include Hiab and Bunzl.
“The drive-thru has created 20 jobs and is a great addition to the estate and to Netherton, bringing a popular brand to the area, while modern features including EV charging bays reflect our commitment to forward-thinking developments which benefit the local community,” said Samson Folkes, managing director at Folkes Properties.
“We’ve worked closely with our partners throughout, and we’d like to thank the Magic Bean Company, Hinton and Trinity for their work in delivering it.”
