Kick off for £450k clean-up of former industrial site
A derelict former scaffolding company works in Walsall will make way for a £7.4m residential scheme, after the West Midlands Combined Authority stumped up nearly half-a-million pounds to clean up the site.
Planning permission to redevelop the two-acre former Central Scaffolding site at Friar Park Road in Wednesbury was granted in June 2025.
Keon Homes will now start work on building 34 affordable homes at Friar Park Road in Wednesbury for housing provider Citizen, which will be made up of 20 affordable rent, and 14 rent-to-buy properties.
Work on the scheme, which is also backed by Homes England, is due to be completed later this year.
Work has begun on a 34-home development at Friar Park Road in Walsall. Credit: WMCA
“This is yet another example of how we are transforming underused or derelict sites into vibrant new places where people can afford to live and raise families,” said West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker.
“Schemes like this don’t just build new homes, they provide jobs and help rebuild communities that people can feel connected to and proud of.”
The location of the new homes is next to land earmarked by the WMCA and Sandwell Council for the 600-home Friar Park Urban Village development, one of the largest brownfield regeneration schemes in the region.
Nick Byrne, executive director of development at Citizen, added: “We’re pleased to be working with Keon Homes, Homes England and the WMCA to deliver 34 affordable homes at our development in Friar Park Road.
“We’re committed to working with our partners to tackle the housing crisis in the West Midlands and it’s great news that we are bringing another brownfield site back into use.
“We’re looking forward to seeing work on these homes progress over the next year.”
