Origin starts on phase two of £126m Walsall I&L
The transformation of the former James Bridge Copperworks is nearing completion, as work to build out the last three units gets under way.
Developer Origin, a joint venture between HBD and Feldberg Capital, signed off on the first phase of the 44-acre SPARK scheme in November last year, completing the first 270,000 sq ft of industrial space on the site.
Now, Bowmer + Kirkland has begun work on the second phase of the development, which will deliver a further three units, with the regeneration of what was formerly the largest brownfield remediation site in the West Midlands expected to be finished by this Autumn.
Vivienne Clements, executive director at HBD, said: “SPARK is a great example of public private partnership done well, working together to regenerate a complex site and create a high-quality scheme that will drive new investment and support long-term job creation. It’s fantastic to now be on site with the second phase.”
“SPARK reflects Origin’s focus on well-located, ESG-led industrial development in strong regional markets. Its scale, location adjacent to Junction 9 of the M6, and strong sustainability credentials make it an exceptionally attractive proposition for occupiers,” added Jamie Acheson, managing director of Feldberg Capital.
Once complete, SPARK will provide 370,000sq ft of modern, net zero-capable manufacturing and logistics space. All BREEAM Excellent and with an EPC A rating, all five buildings are designed for a net zero future and to support occupiers in meeting their ESG objectives.
The first phase is now complete, with two units of 18,000sq ft and 250,000sq ft ready to occupy.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which made a multi-million pound investment to support the site’s remediation and development, said the scheme could deliver more than 1,000 jobs for the region.:
“SPARK is already breathing new life into a site that had stood derelict for decades, bringing fresh economic growth and hundreds of new jobs for people across the Black Country,” he said.
“It shows how we are building for the future, offering the high-quality workspaces that will attract even more businesses, jobs and investment to our region in the years ahead. By investing in this way, we can unlock new opportunities for people and in every part of the region, so that all our communities can benefit from a growing economy.”
The agents for SPARK are Cushman and Wakefield and Box4 Real Estate.
