HCA and Walsall Council appoint DTZ in search for developer for Phoenix 10

Property adviser, DTZ has been appointed by Walsall Council and the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) to advise on the procurement of a developer partner for the Phoenix 10 site in Walsall and interested parties are now being asked to come forward and take part in a Market Consultation exercise.

Located in Darlaston next to the M6 and within the Black Country Enterprise Zone, the 44 acre Phoenix 10 site comprises the former IMI Copper Works, owned by the HCA and adjoining Council land formerly used as a waste tip.

The landowners are seeking a private sector developer to remediate and redevelop the site for employment uses, boosting economic growth for the borough.

DTZ will be advising the Council and HCA on the marketing and procurement process.

Jonathan Turner, Director, Development Consulting at DTZ, commented: “Bringing such a large area of land back into productive use will make a significant positive contribution to Walsall’s employment land supply and make an important contribution to economic growth and employment in the borough while also enhancing the local environment. We look forward to working closely with the Council and HCA to realise their vision for the site.”

Councillor Mohammad Nazir, Walsall Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration said: “It’s great to have DTZ on board to support the HCA and ourselves in marketing the site to developers from the private sector. Securing the development of such a large site can make a massive contribution to employment opportunities for local people, a top priority for Walsall Council and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.

He added: “Delivery of the Phoenix 10 site is not only important for the economy of Walsall but the region as a whole.”

Christine Addison, Executive Director for the HCA, said: “This is an important step towards attracting a development partner for Phoenix 10. We look forward to working collaboratively the Council to deliver this important Enterprise Zone site and bring further jobs and economic growth in the Walsall area.”

In October last year, work began on the £26m highways improvement scheme in Darlaston which will help unlock land and enhance local transport links for existing and new businesses who will eventually set up on site. In addition, £64.5m worth of improvements to M6 J10 will also support the delivery of Phoenix 10 and the Enterprise Zone site as a whole.