Green light set for job-creating scheme on former copper works site

A major commercial development aiming to provide new employment uses on the site of a former copper works in Walsall has been recommended for the green light. The scheme is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the region.HBD, Walsall Council, and Homes England are seeking planning approval to transform the site of the former James Bridge Copper Works at Reservoir Place, with the proposals having been submitted as a hybrid application.The full element of the application involves the demolition of all remaining buildings and structures, site remediation, creation of development platforms, highway works and other supporting infrastructure.The outline element of the proposals consists of the construction of new employment buildings, including landscaping and open space, internal roads and footways, parking and service areas, balancing ponds and associated utilities and infrastructure.It is the intention of the applicants to create employment sites which cater for storage and distribution, general industry and office uses within a single cohesive development.The provision would be up to 10 per cent offices, and/or up to 55 per cent industrial uses and/or up to 100 per cent storage and distribution, providing a maximum floorspace of approximately 620,000 sq ft.It is anticipated that the scheme would create more than 325 additional full-time equivalent jobs in Walsall once completed and occupied, increasing to 673 in the West Midlands, along with 450 temporary construction jobs over a five-year construction period.The application is set to be reviewed by Walsall Council’s planning committee on 29 April.