Regeneration E&S January 2024 by MNA_Media

WEST

MIDLANDS

A 24-PAGE SUPPLEMENT HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS, HOMES AND TRANSPORT SCHEMES TRANSFORMING OUR REGION.

EXPRESS & STAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

Leading the way in skills and training

SPV Special projects have always been champions of skills and apprentices with investment in the next generation being at the heart of all we do.

Having partnered with Juniper Training in 2019, we have been heavily involved in training and supporting the industry to reduce its skills gap and skill those within the industry as well as those entering it. SPV became members of the 5 % Club a number of years ago, being committed to developing skills and pathways and with our values and ethos aligning with those of the 5% club. The 5% Club is a dynamic movement of employer-members working to create a shared prosperity across the UK by driving ‘earn and learn’ skills training opportunities. Having been awarded Gold Membership through their yearly employer audit for a number of years, SPV Special Projects was recently delighted to learn that this has been upgraded to Platinum status. Following three years of Gold Membership, the prestigious award positions SPV in the top 30 UK businesses that are acknowledged

Kate Whatley with other inaugural fellows of the 5% Club

Kate Whatley of SPVs with her 5% Club fellowship certificate

for dedication to employee growth. At SPV Special projects, more than 10 per cent of our workforce are apprentices or on earn and learn schemes – something we are incredibly proud of and is making a long term sustainable impact to our organisation. Kate Whatley of SPV Special Projects was delighted to have been appointed to the honorary role as Fellow of The 5% Club. This ap-

gural fellows were presented with their certificates and badges. Specialising in refurbishment offering services in all types of roofing and cladding SPV Special projects are part of the Phoenix consortia group of companies which employs over 100 staff and offer services nationwide. Working for a select clientele of blue chip clients in the hospitality, educational, healthcare and indus-

pointment is offered in grateful recognition of the significant contribution that has been made and continues to be provided in support of the movement, as well as her impact in championing the skills systems across the UK and the importance of workplace learning therein. This achievement was celebrated on November 29 at The Mansion House, London where all 10 inau-

trial sectors, recent projects include the fire service training centre at Moreton in the Marsh, Worcester Hospital, Coop Blackpool and Whitbread head office. To learn more about Phoenix consortia and our partnerships and work please visit www.phoenixconsortia.co.uk To find more about the 5% clubvisit https://www.5percentclub.org. uk/

We’ve got you covered THE EXPERTS IN ROOFING & CLADDING

Phoenix Consortia are expert rooﬁng and cladding contractors you can trust, delivering value for over 50 years in the UK refurbishment market. Underneath the Phoenix Consortia umbrella operates a collection of four specialised construction companies, with a ﬁfth organisation designated for the continual training and up skilling for a future-proofed workforce:

SPV Special Projects, Westgate, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8EX 01922 749 511 • info@phoenixconsortia.co.uk

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | EXPRESS & STAR

CONTENTS DUDLEY’S NEW INTERCHANGE AND NEW CANALSIDE HOMES FOR WOLVERHAMPTON...COVER PHOTO NEWS: DUDLEY TRANSPORT PROJECT..................................P24

WEST

MIDLAN

A 24-PAGE SUPPLEMENT HIGHLIGHTIN G SOME OF THE MAJOR PROJE CTS, HOME S AND TRANS PORT SCHEM ES TRANSFORM ING OUR REGIO N.

New funding is coming in to help increase the pace of change

KEON HOMES...........................P25

JOHN CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

NEWS: GROWTH ZONES ........................................P26 SILVAMAN..............................................................P27 CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL..............P28-29 ACURA LIVING/MIDLAND DRAINAGE ....................P30 JOHN F HUNT.........................................................P31 SANDWELL COUNCIL........................................P32-33 NEWS: NEW ICE RINK PLAN..................................P34 CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COLLEGE/LCP...........P35 INCO, APIC.............................................................P36 WILL HIRE .............................................................P37 WALSALL COUNCIL ......................................... P38-39 NEWS: TRANSFORMATION FOR STAFFORD .......... P40 WHG ...................................................................... P41 HILL & SMITH...................................................P42-43

> Design & Build > Steel Framed Buildings > Refurbishment > Extensions > Local Authority > Industrial > Leisure > O�ces

Exciting projects will transform our region The pace of regeneration across the Black Country and surrounding areas is stepping up

Many exciting projects are nearing a start or approaching fruition In Wolverhampton, the city council is rapidly moving forward a raft of schemes with partners from the private and public sector that will deliver thousands of new homes around the city centre. Dudley is now in the midst of work to deliver a much needed new transport interchange linking bus service and the Metro. Walsall Council has a £1.5 billion programme underway that will transform the borough. Sandwell too is implementing a huge investment programme. The last year has seen many big projects delivered, including the long-awaited reopening of Wolverhampton’s Civic halls, but the announcement of a raft of new Government funding last year is set to move things on at a faster pace. In our latest 24-page Regeneration supplement we detail many of the key projects that are being readied to inject fresh life into brownfield sites – many of which have lain idle for years – and help make the region a more attractive place for people to live and for employers to invest in and bring vital new employment opportunities. 2024 is going to be an important year for the economic fortunes of the wider West Midlands which is still building back from the blows of the Covid-19 pandemic, high inflation and the cost of living crisis.

Wolverhampton Council leader Stephen Simkins, centre, at the showcase Millions of pounds is now flooding in to help with regeneration projects of all sizes. As well as Levelling Up funding, the area is getting help through the Future High Streets Fund and Long Term Plan for Towns initiative. New Growth Zones will benefit areas of Walsall and Brierley Hill, Pensnett and Dudley as well as Tipton in Sandwell. Wolverhampton will also be helped as part of the new West Midlands Investment Zone announced in the recent Autumn Statement. The city has also just revealed details of a major raft of new home developments circling the city centre.

The City Centre Living showcase at the Molineux showcased £2.6 billion of projects that will deliver 6,500 homes and create 4,000 jobs. The various strategies to deliver regeneration are also increasingly making use of brownfield sites within the conurbation that have been left to decay for far too long. Schemes to return historic buildings to a purposeful new life are also a key part of the ongoing regeneration as well as public transport modernisation. Let’s hope that 2024 sees rapid progress made on the ambitious programme of investment that will ultimately transform the region’s economy.

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Historic building to get a new life Work to breathe new life into one of Walsall’s most historic and ornate buildings is to go ahead thanks to an investment of more than £582,000. Globe House, a Grade II listed building in Bradford Place, will be converted into 35 apartments for rent by Globe Asset Management, a Walsall company which holds, manages and develops residential and commercial property across the Black Country and Birmingham. At least a fifth of the new apartments will be classed as affordable. Located in Walsall’s Bridge Street Conservation Area, Globe House was constructed in 1888 to mark Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee the year before. It was used as a college for more than a century and later converted into offices. Investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority will allow the building to be transformed.

Launchpad will boost Bloxwich Bloxwich Launchpad, a new development for Bloxwich town centre, will offer facilities and support to help entrepreneurs form or grow their small businesses on the first floor. It also involves a ground floor digital support and training centre. The first floor incubation centre will provide desk space for entrepreneurs wanting to grow a small business, with access to meeting rooms, crafting space and a print room, as well as kitchen facilities. The new centre requires a complete refurbishment of the former Post Office in Market Place and it is hoped that Bloxwich Launchpad will be open for business around September. The Post Office has previously relocated to Bloxwich High Street.

Economic forum to help Walsall A council has launched a new economic forum to hear the voices of businesses and public bodies as part of a £1.5 billion transformation scheme. The partnership aims to create opportunities and drive growth by giving businesses a platform to discuss and influence key decisions that will impact the future of the borough. Walsall’s regeneration chief Councillor Adrian Andrew said the economic forum will put businesses at the centre of regeneration the area’s plans. Partners will be given access to support and information, and the content of meetings will be planned to cover topics such as bridging the skills gap and attracting investment into communities. The forum was launched at a business event where operators were invited to find out more about the future plans for the borough.

EXPRESS & STAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

Contractor appoints a land expert

National contractor Willmott Dixon has appointed property expert Marika Lawrence as its new head of land and development for the Midlands. She will work with a 12-strong national development solutions team, supporting customers in designing, planning, funding and unlocking and delivering development-led schemes.

With more than 15 years’ experience in the property sector, and as a qualified chartered planning and development surveyor, she will identify and oversee some of the region’s exciting projects. She will also help Willmott Dixon customers to benefit from the organisation’s combined construction and development solutions expertise.

Midlands project director joins Muse

Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Elliot Sellars as project director in the Midlands. Elliot brings over 20 years’ regeneration experience to Muse, having previously held senior roles at St Modwen Developments and Birmingham City University. With experience delivering nationally significant regeneration and working in partnership with the public and private sector, Elliot

will support the delivery of Muse’s regional pipeline. This includes City Centre West in Wolverhampton. Elliot’s appointment follows a quartet of new hires in Muse’s Midlands team at the end of 2023 along with a new Birmingham office. Maggie Grogan, managing director at Muse – Midlands, said: “Elliot is an experienced and dedicated regeneration specialist who is set to play a key role.”

Transport interchange will help to better connect Dudley’s folk

JOHN CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

Dudley Bus Station has closed for the construction of the new £24 million transport interchange for the town centre.

The bus station off Fisher Street and Birmingham Street is being demolished. National Express West Midlands says the bus station will be closed for around 18 months from January 14. Whilst the redevelopment takes place, services using the bus station will use temporary stops on Tower Street, Ednam Road, Priory Road, New Street, Castle Street and The Broadway. There are timetable changes due to the stop changes. The “out-of-date” bus station will be replaced with a new interchange offering a “modern, accessible environment” and “seamless connections” between bus and West Midlands Metro services. It comes after Dudley Council dropped a public inquiry into the compulsory purchase of land on Fisher Street in the town centre which would enable the local authority to bulldoze a branch of Farmfoods in order to build the new Interchange. However, the council confirmed the inquiry was dropped after every objection to the scheme was removed through negotiation.

Dudley Bus Station is now being demolished to make way for the new interchange with the West Midlands Metro As part of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, Transport for West Midlands hopes the interchange will better connect the people of Dudley to leisure and job opportunities across the region, as well as providing a modern gateway to the town for visitors. Set to open in 2025, the interchange is one in a series of major

regeneration projects which are transforming Dudley town centre. It also follows recent developments at the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre, Black Country Living Museum, and the Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology. The project is being led by TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands

Combined Authority, in partnership with Dudley Council. Funding for the interchange was awarded to the WMCA by the Department for Transport via the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. The work is being carried out alongside the development of phase one of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension.

City centre rock venue to be community arts hub

The Slade Rooms set to re-open

Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre has been awarded £2 million towards a project to re-open city centre venue The Slade Rooms. Theatre bosses have formally taken over the Broad Street site and will use the grant from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Community Ownership Fund to give it a facelift. Bosses now hope to acquire the building. It will be transformed into a community arts hub featuring a 250-seat studio theatre, a small performance studio, rehearsal rooms, exhibition facilities, offices and creative business space.

Grand Theatre chief executive Adrian Jackson said: “We are committed to supporting and empowering our cherished community, therefore the grant from the Community Ownership Fund will allow us to continue to enhance the cultural and creative enrichment within the city. “Furthermore, the grant will save an existing asset, The Slade Rooms, which has been at risk of loss and will now be preserved for generations within our vision for the future. “Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has been developing major creative expansion plans for the past six

years and these will now finally become a reality.” The Slade Rooms, previously operated by Wolverhampton Council, has been shut since early 2020 due to “operational issues”, while the civic centre considered whether to renew its lease. Phase One of the revamp will see work start on the ground floor by the end of the year. Further funding will be required to complete the programme which is part of the Grand Theatre’s ongoing creative arts plan. The Community Ownership Fund was set up to save at risk community buildings.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | EXPRESS & STAR

Keon starts year with four new deals

Keon Homes has sealed a quartet of new land deals in the West Midlands to get 2024 off to a flying start.

One of the fastest growing developers of affordable housing and Extra Care schemes has built on a record-breaking 2023 by unlocking three crucial sites in Coventry, Nuneaton and Wolverhampton that will see it build a 150-strong mixture of houses and apartments. The Burntwood-based company, which has taken on 14 new people to cope with the increase in demand, has also agreed its first partnership with Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust. This will see it construct 65 new homes, a sports pavilion and football pitches for the community as part of the Local Authority’s “Our Future City” plans. Matt Beckley, head of development at Keon Homes, said: “These latest deals underline our ability to find land, secure planning and then, using strong relationships with housing associations, develop schemes that makes a real difference to local people. “The region is crying out for more affordable housing and, with these recent wins, we are now programmed to start eight sites this year, delivering 300 new homes in

From left: Rob Goodall, Mike Nolan, Eddie Hughes MP and Mike Doolan

The affordable housing scheme delivered at Streethay, Lichfield

total. This will include working with our existing partners, such as Midland Heart and Walsall Housing Group and first projects for the Black Country Housing Group, Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust and Citizen Housing.” He continued: “This is more just than bricks and mortar. We are using the latest construction techniques and the strength of our local supply chain to regenerate brown-

This was quickly followed by the £28m ‘Streethay’ development in Lichfield with Sanctuary Group, a project that will see the company build 138 plots in total – 60 bungalows and a 78-bed Extra Care scheme. Matt concluded: “Our mission is all about ‘Doing the Right Thing’ and that flows throughout the business, from the way we treat our staff and the way we develop our

field sites into communities where individuals, couples and families can enjoy living.” 2023 was a transformational year for Keon Homes, with the company celebrating its fifth birthday and securing its first two Extra Care schemes. This started with a £15 million deal with Wrekin Housing Group to deliver a scheme of 70 properties and a host of communal facilities.

Regenerating Brownfield Sites into Thriving Communities

Building Exceptional Partnerships and Community through People. Learn more: keonhomes.co.uk

supply chains to the way we forge exceptionally strong partnerships with Housing Associations and our other client partners. “This has seen us successfully complete 14 sites and 400 plots in just five years, with a secured £103m pipeline of deals in place.” For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or follow Keon Homes on its social channels.

Breakfast event on college plans Employers from across the region can find out about how developments at City of Wolverhampton College will benefit their businesses and employees at a networking event on Tuesday, February 6 at 8am. The college is hosting a business breakfast, at its Wellington Road campus, to give employers the opportunity to get an update on its major campus transformation project which will see the opening of a new centre for automotive and engineering training and the construction of a city centre campus. Attendees will hear about the college’s latest plans from principal Mal Cowgill, as well from Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chairman of West Midlands Combined Authority and Councillor Stephen Simkins, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, about how the new developments will drive up skills levels across the city.

Project for Lye is in the pipeline Plans to regenerate part of the Dudley borough are making progress. The area around the war memorial in Lye High Street will be the first part of the town to benefit from the regeneration works. Plans to secure public funding for the works was initially earmarked at up to £20 million with work to commence in 2025. Funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, along with revenue that has been sought from Homes England, could help to drive the regeneration project forward. Stouridge MP Suzanne Webb said: “This is great news for Lye and the wider Stourbridge area and I am delighted to see it following my campaign to secure this money in partnership with the council and the WMCA.”

Upgrade on line for rail station West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says an outdated railway station will become a crucial focus for public transport in the Black Country. Dudley Port railway station is set for a £2.4 million upgrade this year, to coincide with the first trams connecting the station to Dudley town centre. Mr Street said the station could be in line for a full rebuild if a business case could be made. The station’s low-level platforms, which have been out of use since the closure of the Stourbridge-Walsall railway line in 1964, are due to reopen for the first phase of the West Midlands Metro tram link. This will see trams run from the existing line at Wednesbury, through Dudley Port and on to Dudley town centre. Mr Street said the arrival of the Metro link would mean the station would once more play an important role in the region’s transport infrastructure.

EXPRESS & STAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

Growth Zones will create jobs and deliver housing schemes

JOHN CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

The West Midlands is to get three new ‘Growth Zones’ which will generate £1.7 billion for regeneration, create 60,000 jobs and deliver 4,500 new homes.

The zones, which include areas of Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell, will give the local authority the power to retain 100 per cent of business rates collected over the next 25 years, and ring-fence them for investment into regeneration projects. Announcing the programme in Brierley Hill High Street, elected Mayor for the West Midlands Andy Street said the scheme was unprecedented and would be a ‘game changer’ for the region. The scheme forms part of the Deeper Devolved Deal, agreed between the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Government. The Dudley and Sandwell zone takes in Brierley Hill, Pensnett and Dudley town centre, extending over the boundary into Tipton. The Walsall zone will cover a corridor from Iron Park at Moxley, up to Junction 10 of the M6, where it meets the Black Country Route. A third zone will straddle east Birmingham and northern Solihull. Mr Street said the deal was a vote of confidence in the region, and expected to see tangible benefits to the areas. He said the money could be used to incentivise the owners of rundown properties to bring them back into use. Mr Street said they would complement the Investment Zone, announced in the Chancellor’s autumn statement, which will see millions of pounds pumped into sites in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Coventry and Warwick. The sites were drawn up to take advantage of major transport corridors, including the forthcoming tram extension and improvements to Junction 10 of the M6.

A CGI of Goold Estates’ proposed development of 166,500 sq ft of new industrial/warehouse accommodation

City brownfield site set to deliver 330 jobs Goold Estates has brought forward plans to regenerate a vacant brownfield site in Bilston that could create up to 330 new jobs. The Oldbury-based property investment and development company has submitted a detailed planning application for the speculative development of a 12-acre plot at the Bilston Urban Village employment site, off Brook Street. It proposes development of

JOHN CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk 166,500 sq ft of new industrial/distribution warehouse accommodation, comprising 15 units ranging in size from 2,500 to 60,000 sq ft to suit a variety of uses. Goold Estates is the City of Wolverhampton Council’s chosen developer for the Bilston Urban Vil-

lage employment site and recently completed purchase of the land from the council. Its plans represent the final phase of development on the site and have a gross development value of £28 million. Goold Estates already has experience of working in Wolverhampton after constructing six industrial and warehouse units at Steelpark Trading Estate in Wednesfield.

190 homes will be built on Sandwell golf course

A plan to build 190 homes and a new primary school on a former Sandwell golf course has been approved despite receiving 200 objections. Sandwell Council’s planning committee supported building the new housing, the school and a new public park on the former Brandhall golf course in Oldbury. The application for the council-owned land, made by engineering consultants AECOM on behalf of Sandwell Council, was approved unanimously by councillors despite the extensive objections that were put forward. Nearly five per cent of trees

across the green space would be cut down to make way for the new homes and primary school. A quarter of the newh omes would be classed as ‘affordable’ housing but would not be social housing. Objections to the application included those from the Brandhall Green Space Action Group, which was initially formed to fight off the threat of any building on the green space after the golf course closed in 2019. This resulted in Sandwell Council tracking back on previous proposals to build 550 homes as ell as the school on the same land.

The former Brandhall Golf Club club, based off Heron Road, closed after 116 years in business. Campaigners said the land – where there are more than 2,000 trees – remains ‘vital’ green space for the community. The golf course was originally created in 1906 from land at Brandhall Farm and it was purchased by the old Oldbury District Council in 1928. The south west corner of the course was lost when the M5 was opened in 1970. The farmstead, which was the original club house, has since been demolished.

The former Brandhall golf course

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | EXPRESS & STAR

Silvaman Group growth is continuing

Silvaman Group, the leading high end retail interior fit out specialist, is looking forward to continued growth and expansion over the coming year.

During December 2023 Silvaman moved into a new office and warehousing facility on Hale Trading Estate, Tipton, in order to house its increased staff headcount, and to provide a modern and suitable environment to facilitate planned growth. Group managing director Phil Boden said: “Since the pandemic our turnover has increased 40 per cent year-on-year. “This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our workforce and supply chain, along with our ability to retain clients through their trust in our abilities to deliver complex and time sensitive projects. “Project highlights from the past year include the fast track fit out of the first European Hoka store in Covent Garden, London; the fit out of Karl Lagerfeld at Westfield White City along with Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger projects completed at Dalton Park. “We have continued to develop our relationships with centre oper-

The first European Hoka store at Covent Garden in London

Silvaman fitted out Karl Lagerfeld at Westfield White City

ators and have undertaken varying asset management projects for McArthur Glen and Global Mutal across the UK and look forward to strengthening these relationships and becoming a key strategic supplier for them over the coming years.” Over the past year the company has set up and established a new division Silvatech MEP Solutions. Mr Boden explained: “The com-

ly project delivery. Following on from bringing the design works in house we then proceeded to set up an internal electrical project delivery team enabling us to complete the electrical installations on our fit out projects, during this period we achieved NICEIC Approved Contractor status and undertook a standalone major mains electrical distribution upgrade at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet over a period

pany saw an opportunity to bring MEP designs in house in order to better serve our clients requirements, MEP elements can account up to 40 per cent of project costs, being able to control the design and costs enables us to provide value to clients, additionally the co-ordination issues we face in regards to building services are able to be controlled and managed effectively aiding programme and ultimate-

of 12 weeks without impacting the day-to-day operations of this busy shopping and leisure destination. “It is our intention to continue the expansion of the SIlvatech MEP Solutions division,.” Silvaman, the UK’s leading premium retail fit out contractor, partners with high end fashion brands and centre operators to deliver unique and immersive spaces that express brands’ core principals.

THE HALLS WOLVERHAMPTON, BRINGING 300,000 VISITORS TO THE CITY CENTRE EACH YEAR

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | EXPRESS & STAR

An aerial view of how the Wavensmere Homes development could look

Canalside South homes

Apartments will form part of the Canalside South project

Wolverhampton’s urban renaissance: transforming experience of city living JOHN CORSER

schemes, including the new City Learning Quarter, a £61 million project aimed at transforming facilities for education and skills enhancement, that will benefit residents across the city and wider region. The scheme is set to be complete by September 2025. The multi-million-pound refurbishment of The Halls Wolverhampton, the city’s anchor music and entertainment venue, has delivered over 100,000 visitors since May 2023 and, together with enhancements in public spaces around the iconic venue, has contributed to an improved overall visitor experience. A five-year events programme to support Wolverhampton as a ‘destination of choice’ is helping generate more visitors, business, investment, and interest in the city.

The landscape of Wolverhampton city centre is undergoing a renaissance, fuelled by substantial investments in housing and placemaking initiatives.

It is reshaping the city’s core, fostering new communities, enhancing existing spaces, and generating a multitude of opportunities.

Collaborative Developments

Collaborative efforts between City of Wolverhampton Council and a host of developers have been instrumental in forging plans to breathe new life into key brownfield sites within the city. These transformative projects are not merely introducing essential housing but are also reviving old industrial areas, building new communities, and driving increased footfall into the city centre.

Future Prospects

Placefirst is behind the development of the canalside Horseley Fields site where 366 homes are planned

Canalside Revival

The Canalside South scheme, led by acclaimed Midlands-based property developers, Wavensmere Homes, is set to introduce 500 new homes, marking one of the most extensive city centre residential development opportunities in the Midlands. Plans also include repurposing disused railway arches into 7,000 square feet of commercial space. Placefirst, the leading UK buildto-rent provider, has secured the brownfield land at Horseley Fields, adjacent to Union Mill Street, obtaining planning permission for a scheme featuring 366 homes and commercial spaces.

II-listed church, transforming the former Sainsbury’s supermarket site into a new gateway for the city centre, offering over 400 new homes. A strategic partnership between the Council and English Cities Fund – the joint venture between nationwide placemaker Muse, one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and major global investor, Legal & General and Homes England – is set to deliver around 1,000 new homes at City Centre West, along with leisure, retail, and high-quality public spaces.

Game-Changing Projects

Coupled with other public and private sector initiatives – such as the redevelopment of the former Royal Hospital site and the conversion of the historic former Sunbeam Factory –- the city centre anticipates a staggering 6,500 new homes, bring-

Social impact developers Capital&Centric are envisioning a brand-new neighbourhood at St George’s centred around a Grade

Collective Impact

ing over 4,000 jobs and a substantial £2.6 billion in investment. The influx of 6,500 new households is projected to yield an annual spending power of around £79 million, significantly boosting the local economy.

Council’s Vision

Councillor Stephen Simkins, the council leader, has emphasised the city’s evolution, fostering inclusivity, and the creation of diverse communities. He highlights the leveraging of the university’s graduate market, diverse entertainment, and events programming to attract visitors, supporting business growth. He said: “These game-changing schemes mark a further milestone in the significant transformation of the city centre, creating new destinations, enriching public spaces, and cultivating inclusive communities of diverse age groups.

“We are bolstering city centre living and bridging the gap between Wolverhampton and other cities. “Furthermore, being home to the National Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Construction and the National Brownfield Institute, brings significant benefits to developers and to the supply chain. This innovative facility is integral to unlocking the potential of urban development and supporting the industry building new housing on brownfield sites. We’re proud to be leading the green growth agenda by having this fantastic facility right here in our city and the Green Innovation Corridor will further put the city on the map.”

Supporting Infrastructure and the Visitor Economy Wolverhampton is also investing in the other major regeneration

Wolverhampton’s resurgence is not merely about physical development; it signifies a profound move to enhance cultural experiences and foster economic growth. The council’s forward-thinking approach is evident in its submission of a planning application for Bell Works, a new food, entertainment, and events venue set to further elevate Wolverhampton’s appeal and offer food and drink vendors an exciting new trading opportunity. Managing director for Muse Midlands, Maggie Grogan, said: “Wolverhampton is a really good example of how local authorities can attract investment. “They pulled together their investment prospectus, so they knew they had key sites in the city they needed to focus on. “They had an ambition and vision of how they wanted to deliver and really started to put in place some key aspects in the city, which meant we were looking at them and saying ‘they’re serious about doing this’ but recognise they can’t do it on their own and need partnerships. “All the key players are in place now to agree how to make schemes viable and how to bring them forward.”

EXPRESS & STAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

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Acura Living was founded on the principle that everyone deserves to live in a home they are proud of. We create well-designed and beautifully built residential properties focused on assisted living communities, ensuring quality accommodation is available for those that need it most. Our all-inclusive approach is based upon collaboration, innovation and expertise and we are committed to investing in suitable, long-term housing solutions for the most vulnerable in our society. We understand that each of our tenants have different needs, which is why we implement some of the most innovative assistive technology in all of our properties. Acura Living prides itself on providing a living experience with a human approach, and our team of experts in property and social care understand that providing suitable homes for the more vulnerable, is more than just providing a place for them to rest their head.

Acura apartments at Colchester Our latest development in Telford and Wrekin consists of 11 one-bedroom bungalows plus a staff bungalow. This scheme is fully wheel chair adaptable designed for adults with learning disabilities and autism who are either ageing or have mobility issues. We partner with local authorities, care providers, registered providers and stake holders on social housing schemes, that balance good business sense with socially positive outcomes.

All drainage needs are met by provider Midland Drainage is a well-established leading provider with over 20 years’ experience in the drainage industry.

We have the ability to carry out investigations, inspections and repairs for private, commercial and industrial clients to full sewer adoption surveys for all type of pipe work, diameters and duties. We operate a fleet of specialist vehicles from small jetting units to high-volume, high-power jetting and vacuum units for sewer and pump chamber cleansing and maintenance. All types of drainage systems are within our ability. Using the most up to date digital CCTV equipment, all inspections and reports are made to Public Sewer standard using the most up to date required computer programs along with observations for correction if and where necessary. Following completion, we can then carry out repairs to correct and improve the system using the latest in “No–dig” techniques to reinstate in the shortest possible time, minimising disruption to clients. Excavations can also be accommodated. Our engineers are trained to industry Health and Safety standards, to ensure an impeccable working environment is maintained at all times.

A specialist vehicles fleet is operated Operations are fully compliant with the Public Sewer Authorities and Water Industry guidelines. We are accredited by CHAS, Constructionline, Safecontractor and SMAS Worksafe standards. We are an approved contractor for Severn Trent Water and can also operate on other authority areas as well. For more information, visit www. midlanddrainage.co.uk or call us on 01384 482228 to discuss your needs.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | EXPRESS & STAR

Crucial role in major Walsall project

In Walsall, a transformational project is underway, reshaping a historic industrial legacy site into a modern industrial and logistics centre.

SPARK is being delivered by HBD in partnership with Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority and Black Country LEP, with the first units ready for occupation in early 2025. John F Hunt Regeneration is playing a crucial part in the preparatory phase. The site’s history is rich and complex, typifying the region’s rich industrial past. Until 1999 it was home to the James Bridge Copper Works; prior to this it was mined extensively for coal and was also the site of a brick works. SPARK represents not just a physical change but also a symbolic transition from the old era to a new phase of economic growth and development. John F Hunt Regeneration, a specialist in preparing brownfield sites for future development, is tasked with a set of critical undertakings at SPARK. Their focus is on essential complex earthworks, ground engineering, groundwater treatment and environmental betterment, setting the stage for the site’s redevelopment. These works

John F Hunt Regeneration is playing a big part in the SPARK development

The former copper works site is being prepared for its new role

are complicated by the proximity of schools, homes, the M6 and the Walsall Canal. Meticulous work is required to ensure that the site is carefully prepared for the ambitious plans. Preparation of the site by John F Hunt Regeneration involves a detailed understanding of the site’s unique characteristics. The approach taken is careful and methodical, their expertise in

market-leading infrastructure and power provision, bringing new opportunities and revitalising the local economy. The development is designed to meet the modern demands of logistics and industrial operations, offering state-of-the-art facilities with close access to the M6. The collaborative nature of this project, involving public and private entities, reflects a shared vision for

handling such complex sites is evident in the precision and care used on other similarly large and complex brownfield schemes completed elsewhere, such as Rugeley Power Station. SPARK’s future as an industrial and logistics hub holds significant promise for the area. It will provide logistics and manufacturing companies with a range of sustainable property solutions alongside

the future of Walsall. It underscores the importance of partnership in achieving large-scale urban regeneration goals. The involvement of John F Hunt Regeneration in the preparatory stages is a crucial element in this collaborative effort, ensuring that the site is ready for its next chapter. As SPARK takes shape, it stands as a symbol of progress and renewal in the Black Country.

Land & Groundwater Remediation

Industrial Dismantling & Demolition

Professonal Support

We specialise in making challenging sites suitable for redevelopment.

Precision and safety are at the forefront of our dismantling services.

Tailored solutions for your development needs, from planning to execution.

To give new Sandwell businesses the initial boost the� need to succeed� Sandwell Council has opened the Sandwell Start-Up Hub in �ldbur�. Entrepreneurs can have a free dedicated workspace for twelve months from registration �up to �arch �0�5�� plus peer-to-peer support and collaboration� advice� and the chance to �oin the Sandwell Enterprise Programme and access ‘Start in Sandwell’ grants.

Don’t struggle on alone at home! Come and hone

�our plans alongside other professionals in Sandwell’s new� spacious� friendl� co-working environment. This is made possible thanks to the U� Shared Prosperit� �und.

To �nd out more about the Hub offer - contact the hub team at

Sandwell_StartupHub@sandwell.gov.uk www.sandwellbusinessgrowth.com/start-up/ sandwell-start-up-hub

Top 50 We worked with The Economic Intelligence e Unit to determine who are Sandwell’s Top 50 fastest growing companies. Download the report from our website to see which companies feature – and learn how four of them achieved their success.

Sandwell Council recognises that successful businesses are ke� to creating and sustaining �obs� raising aspirations� nurturing skills and generating wealth for our region. You’re Sandwell’s lifeblood – and we’re here to champion �our Sandwell business at ever� stage� supporting �ou to thrive and grow� raising local people and communities up with �ou. Talk to our Sandwell Business Growth Team about �our needs toda�.

www.sandwellbusinessgrowth.com

Sandwell Business Growth Plan The Sandwell Business Growth Plan sets out how Sandwell Council will support local businesses to thrive and grow over the ne�t two �nancial �ears� so our whole borough bene�ts from the ��.� billion of investment coming Sandwell’s wa�. Download the document from our website to learn about Sandwell Council’s seven economic priorities and how the� seek to raise up people and communities alongside our successful businesses.

www.sandwellbusinessgrowth.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | EXPRESS & STAR

An event underway at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub

Specialist work from Lord Combustion in Oldbury

Work taking place at Thomas Howse in Rowley Regis

Sandwell Council: Making businesses stronger and helping its communities

JOHN CORSER

may be eligible to apply for ‘Start Up in Sandwell’ grants of up to £3,000. These grants could go towards equipment, a website, the production of a new prototype, property refurbishment or improving systems and processes.

Sandwell Council recognises that successful businesses are key to creating and sustaining jobs, raising aspirations, nurturing skills, and generating wealth for our region.

So the council’s Business Growth Team champions businesses at every stage, offering resources, advice and grants. In November 2023, Sandwell Council approved a £4.4 million business support package through its Sandwell Business Growth Plan. The support will boost Sandwell’s firms and, in turn, benefit local people and communities. Sandwell is already an excellent place to do business. It has a £6.4 billion annual economy, with twice the number of manufacturing firms compared to the national average. Sandwell is home to fast-growing, high-employment and high-turnover companies. The borough enjoys six interconnected towns, easy access to the motorway network, and proximity to Birmingham. Imminent investment is making Sandwell an even more attractive place to live and work. Regeneration and infrastructure projects are forecast to bring £2.9bn into the borough by 2027. Sandwell will have new homes, improved high streets, stronger healthcare provision, better transport, and enhanced parks and green spaces. Sandwell Council is determined that local people and communities will feel benefits to this investment that reach even beyond the tangible boosts to infrastructure and connectivity. It plans to seize the longer-term opportunities that regeneration presents: business growth, new jobs, raised skill levels, higher aspirations, and the retention of wealth in the area. Recognising that local businesses are key to delivering this deeper ambition, Sandwell Council is of-

Accelerator support and grants for existing businesses

More than 150 people attended the launch of the Sandwell Business Growth Plan fering a raft of business support in 2024-2025.

Sandwell Business Growth Plan and Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Index

In November, the council launched its Business Growth Plan. This 32-page document sets out seven priorities for supporting businesses to grow over the next two financial years, in ways that benefit people and communities too. Delivered by the Business Growth Team, the support includes helping businesses to manage the necessary transition to carbon net zero for the good of the environment. It also emphasises ‘social value’: encouraging buyers and suppliers to think beyond the scope of each project to do wider good for people and places. Alongside the Business Growth

Plan, the council launched its latest Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Index. Compiled in collaboration with The Economic Intelligence Unit, this innovative document celebrates the 50 businesses in Sandwell that enjoyed the greatest increase in turnover in the previous accounting year. Case studies outline how four of the featured businesses achieved their recent success. For example, A Perry Ltd made significant investment in its manufacturing capacity, while CSS Support Systems Ltd cited high standards of customer service and employee care. The Top 50 report seeks to inspire other businesses to strive towards growth. Co-working, group support and start-up grants A passionately pro-business council, Sandwell Council aims to give entrepreneurs the support, resources, confidence and inspiration they

need to start and scale up successful businesses. The Business Growth Team has recently opened the Sandwell StartUp Hub in Jack Judge House in Oldbury, a spacious co-working environment with desks, WiFi, meeting spaces and networking opportunities. Thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, desks are free for new Sandwell businesses (trading for up to two years) for the first 12 months from signing up (and before March 2025). New and aspiring business owners can also join the Sandwell Enterprise Programme. The Business Growth Team is running this with business consultancy Aspire4U, exploring practical topics that include business planning, risk management and financial literacy. Businesses registered on the Sandwell Enterprise Programme

For established businesses with ambitions to reach new markets overseas, Sandwell Council has teamed up with experts at Falsum Consulting to offer insight into the practicalities, risks and opportunities of international trade. The team has been holding themed workshops at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub on topics that include mapping new markets, customs compliance, cutting costs and improving productivity. Together, the Business Growth Team and Falsum continue to offer one-to-one support to Sandwell business owners with serious export plans. For all established Sandwell businesses, the Business Growth Team is offering an accelerator programme called Sandwell Business Boost. Delivered by experts from Winning Moves both remotely and in person, Sandwell Business Boost helps business owners to achieve greater efficiency, build resilience and work on their strategic planning in a supportive, collaborative environment. Recognising that finance is often vital to achieving growth success, Sandwell Council is also offering ‘Net Zero in Sandwell’ and ‘Grow in Sandwell’ (both up to £20,000) grants to eligible businesses. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, these will help local firms to adopt zero-carbon measures or implement growth strategies such as expansion, innovation, improving systems and processes or making capital investments. Get more information about Sandwell Council’s Business Growth Team and its support for Sandwell businesses. Visit sandwellbusinessgrowth.com

Develop region’s brownfield sites The regional managing director of a major housing developer says unused brownfield land represents a “significant opportunity” to regenerate the West Midlands. Amanda Bishop, MD for the West Midlands at housebuilder Keepmoat, said: “To support the Government’s aim of prioritising brownfield development we are focused on using our expertise in this area to create sustainable homes at accessible prices. “When we consider the amount of brownfield land across the West Midlands that has become derelict or unused, we recognise that there is a significant opportunity to breathe new life into these areas by delivering high quality new homes.” Mrs Bishop said that as a partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Keepmoat is “committed” to building thousands of homes, and bringing the region closer to carbon net zero goals.

Town Board to oversee works Dudley is getting a Town Board of community leaders, employers and politicians to oversee how regeneration cash is spent. The creation of the panel is a condition of the allocation of £20 million levelling up funding to Dudley Council. The board will have the job of delivering the Government’s Long Term Plan for Towns initiative which sees 55 towns including Dudley getting £20m each to spend over the next 10 years. Dudley Council leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, said: “We are delighted to be receiving this major funding boost to invest in Dudley over the next 10 years. “Initial planning is getting under way, but a key element will be working with our local community.”

£118m will fund fresh schemes Plans for a new gateway to Stafford railway station and a green transport technology centre in Brierley Hill are the ‘stand-out’ winners of government cash, said Michael Gove. On a visit to the former Universal Grinding Wheels site close to Stafford railway station, the Levelling Up Secretary outlined details of five schemes in the West Midlands sharing £118 million from the latest funding round. Dudley borough is the biggest recipient, securing £40m for two college developments, while Wolverhampton, Stafford and Birmingham will get £20m each. A further £18m is being made available for a brownfield housing scheme in Smethwick. In Halesowen, the Pool Road car park will be demolished to make way for a new Halesowen College building providing vocational training and adult education courses.

EXPRESS & STAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

Hospital wellbeing apartments near opening date

A rebirth for the Royal Hospital

Wolverhampton’s imposing former Royal Hospital, closed since 1997, is one of the city’s most iconic and historic structures. The Grade II listed building – which dates back to 1848 – is now being converted into a complex of “wellbeing apartments for over55s”, due to open later this year. The major restoration project, which is being undertaken by housing group whg and Cannock developer MORRO Partnerships, will deliver 192 new affordable homes, including the 38 one and two-bedroom apartments. An additional 123 homes for affordable rent and 31 for shared

ownership have also been built on land to the rear of the hospital building. Corporate director of development for whg, Rebecca Bennett Casserly, said: “It is nothing short of a privilege to be involved in bringing new life and purpose to the Royal Hospital building itself and the surrounding grounds. “As long-term investors, whg also then gets to ensure the stewardship of the new, vibrant place to live is looked after and the new, multi-generational community thrives.” The communal areas will include communal lounges, an IT suite,

library, buggy (mobility scooter) store and gardens. There will also be an on-site cafe run by ASAN (All Saints Action Network). MORRO managing director Chris Timmins said that it was a “privilege” to work on the development alongside whg. He said: “The Royal Hospital has played a huge part in the lives of so many people in Wolverhampton and we are proud to be developing such an iconic building. “This is one of our most highly anticipated projects and it has been a huge privilege to work with whg and breathe new life into the site.”

New ice rink could be a game changer for centre of Dudley

JOHN CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

A new ice rink may soon be coming to Dudley town centre.

The multi-million-pound redevelopment scheme is for a new rink and hotel complex near Flood Street. A previous proposal for redeveloping the site has collapsed, but the West Midlands Growth Company has agreed to initially spend £50,000 on a viability assessment, provided Dudley Council contributed £15,000 to the cost of the assessment if it is successful and then a further £5,000 for an economic impact assessment. Council leader Councillor Patrick Harley feels a rink would be a “game-changer” for the town and provide more than £25 million worth of funding and increased footfall in the town, as well increased food and beverage providers in and around the town centre. An ice rink was originally part of an £82 million Portersfield plan for the site of the former Cavendish House office building which was demolished in 2020. A consultation is currently taking place about plans for future land use across Dudley borough including the Portersfield area on Trindle Road and Hall Street which is seen as the biggest regeneration opportunity in the area The council is in the process of looking for a developer to work on the project.

The Bell Works would be a food, entertainment and events venue to the west of Wolverhampton’s city centre

Bell Works set to help boost city’s night life A £6 million ‘box space’ could help efforts to attract more night time visitors to Wolverhampton City of Wolverhampton Council recently submitted a planning application for the food, entertainment and events venue in the west of the city centre. The proposals follow the demolition of derelict shops at 1-7a Cleveland Street last year and design work for the venue, which it is hoped will attract

JOHN CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

tens of thousands of visitors to the city centre every year. It would be constructed on the cleared site and car park sitting between Cleveland Street and Bell Street and land from the proposed demolition of the vacant Neville Garratt Centre.

The working title for the venue is Bell Works, which provides a nod to the Victorian ironmonger and manufacturer that existed in this area of the city centre in Wolverhampton’s industrial past. The development would also provide new and improved car parking. It would be funded through a combination of the government’s Future High Streets Fund and council investment.

Flats to replace former showroom Experienced surveyor joins the team

A trio of apartment buildings are set to be built on the site of a former car showroom. Sandwell Council’s planning committee has given the green light for 30 new flats to be built on the old Wednesbury Motors showroom and garage in Holyhead Road, Wednesbury. The 30 new flats would be built across three blocks with a car

park behind. The buildings associated with the former car and van sales garage on the corner of Holyhead Road and Monway Terrace were demolished in 2021. The plans had first been put forward in March 2021 but were then redrawn – with the original request to build 40 two-bed apartments across three five-and-sixstorey blocks dropping to 30 flats.

A highly experienced chartered surveyor has joined a leading property consultancy’s infrastructure team as it looks to progress major projects in the West Midlands and Cheshire. David Kydd, who has been an RICS qualified surveyor since 1984, has joined Fisher German’s Stafford office as a new partner, where he will be leading a team of six in its infrastructure services team.

Mr Kydd will be acting on behalf of clients to negotiate with land owners affected by utilities and infrastructure projects in and around Stafford, as well as Fisher German’s offices in Chester, Knutsford, and Worcester. He will primarily work on behalf of clients in the water industry looking to acquire land for capital schemes, providing advice around surveying and valuation.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | EXPRESS & STAR

College is boosting skills development

FREE to attend

CAMPUS TRANSFORMATION

City of Wolverhampton College is leading the way in driving up skill levels across the city.

Three new developments are set to provide first-class training facilities for local people and further cement its position as a leading education provider in the city. With the planned expansion of public transport systems across the region, there is a need for skilled operatives to work on the construction and maintenance of train lines, tram routes and stations - and to meet this demand, the college has launched a Transport & Rail Infrastructure Training Academy, funded by West Midlands Combined Authority, to give local people the skills needed to work in the sector. Working with training partner National Infrastructure Solutions, the college operates training sites at its Wellington Road campus, in Bilston, and the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, in Dudley, with sites in Aston and Coventry due to open later in the year. For those wanting to work in the automotive or engineering sectors, September 2024 will see the opening of the college’s new purpose-built Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre (ATAC) – kitted-out with the latest industry-standard equipment – at the Wellington Road campus.

EMPLOYER NETWORKING BREAKFAST Join us for a delicious networking breakfast and �nd out �ore about t�e o��ortunities t�at our ca��us transfor�ation �ourne� brings for local businesses and e��lo�ers�

ATAC under construction at Bilston And, in the 2025-2026 academic year, a new city centre campus – part of the multi-million-pound City Learning Quarter vision being led by City of Wolverhampton Council – will provide state-of-the art training facilities for students doing qualifications in business, catering and hospitality, computing and IT, creative and digital media, early years, hairdressing and beauty, science and travel and tourism, as well as a performing arts centre and a dedicated sixth-form centre for A-level students. For latest news on the transformation visit https://www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/ our-college/campustransformation/

Take your business to the higher level Is it time to take your business to the next level?

If so, The Innovation Centre at Multipark Pensnett, Kingswinford, could be the place for you. With three units now available, this is rare opportunity for ambitious enterprises to be part of a thriving business centre. The Innovation Centre is located within one of Europe’s largest secure industrial estates, home to more than 200 companies and 3,000 employees. These newly available single storey suites – 831 sq ft, 1500 sq ft and 3026 sq ft – are suitable for all Class E businesses (restaurants, dog grooming, retail, leisure, workshops and offices) and have been refurbished to the highest standard, ready for immediate occupation. Benefits include: l Flexible terms to suit occupiers’ requirements. l New lighting throughout the scheme. l Full CCTV and security gated access to the centre. l Main road frontage, immediately off the A4101, close to estate entrance/ security gatehouse with easy access to Kingswinford, Dudley, Stourbridge and Wolverhampton. l 220 free parking spaces. l Bus stop on site - local route. l Fibreoptic broadband is available throughout the estate.

�ou�ll �ear fro� �llr �te��en �i�kins� �eader of �it� of �ol�er�a��ton �ouncil and �nd� �treet� �a�or of t�e �est �idlands� before being taken on a �ard �at tour of our new �d�anced �ec�nolog� and �uto�oti�e �entre�

The Innovation Centre Want to find out more about The Innovation Centre? Contact Jackie Whatmore on 01384 400 123 or emailjwhatmore@lcpproperties.co.uk LCP Group is working with Oxford Innovation Advice, which designs and delivers business support programmes across the country. Open day on Wednesday, February 14, at units 6&7 Baird House, The Innovation Centre between 9am and 5pm.

Tuesday 6 February 8am-10.30am

! Wellington Road Campus

Wellington Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 6BT (Sat nav postcode: WV14 6RN)

Book your place: Scan the QR code or visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events

EXPRESS & STAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

APiC enjoys growth and Top 50 placing

Sam Norton and David Cotterill of Inco Contracts which saw annual turnover increase to £36 million last year

Inco’s new project wins seal firm’s record-breaking year

A string of new instructions has sealed a record year for Stafford-based Inco Contracts.

The principal contractor, which specialises in industrial and commercial refurbishment schemes, has seen turnover rise to £36 million in 2023 – a 46 per cent increase on the previous 12 months. Latest wins in the West Midlands, the North West and in the South East will see the company use the latest sustainable construction techniques to deliver a range of

warehousing, office space and factory units for a growing list of nationwide clients. Satellite offices in Warrington and Stevenage continue to attract new opportunities and the workforce has trebled since a management buy-out led by current managing director David Cotterill and operations director Sam Norton. “The last 12 months have been our busiest yet and this is being fuelled by the near doubling in demand for warehouse space,” commented Sam Norton. “60 per cent of industrial units

are now used by retailers, who have been rapidly expanding their distribution networks. This requires new and additional space, all of which require fit out, modification and building fabric works that we specialise in.” Inco Contracts has built a strong reputation for delivering more than 2,100 industrial and commercial refurbishment schemes across the UK. These often tend to be turnkey in nature and involve the company working alongside architects, designers, and landlords.

James Watt College

UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS AND ADULTS IN CONSTRUCTION APPLY NOW! bmet.ac.uk

In a triumphant stride forward, APiC UK announces not just significant growth but also the honour of securing a spot in the prestigious Sandwell Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Index. This dual achievement underscores our unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation. Our recent surge in demand and expanded order book is a testament to the collective effort of the APiC UK team. Focusing on quality, reliability, and client satisfaction has not only propelled us to new heights but has also solidified our position as a leader in the industry. Embedded in our success narrative is a deep commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. APiC UK recognises that true prosperity lies not only in financial milestones but in positively impacting society. Our CSR initiatives include active participation in CAB’s Closed Loop Recycling Scheme, contributing to environmental sustainability and community engagement. Additionally, our partnership with AluTrade reflects our dedication to responsible aluminium recycling practices. As we navigate this transformative phase, the Sandwell Top 50 recognition adds an extra layer of distinction to our journey.

Sandwell Aquatics Centre It serves as a testament to our sustained growth and innovative practices, placing APiC UK among the region’s fastest-growing companies. We are not merely growing; we are evolving into a company that embraces sustainable practices, social responsibility, and industry leadership. To our clients, partners, and the APiC UK team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for being integral to this transformative chapter. Together, we are building a future that is both prosperous and socially conscious.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | EXPRESS & STAR

Best deal with Will Hire in 20th year

In 2004 Will Gough Senior started Will Hire and nearly 20 years later the quest to create the Midlands best plant, tool, and access hire outlet has gone from strength to strength.

The vision to be more customer focused in a world that continues to be ruled by accounts departments, and decisions being made by numbers on a screen still stands at our core. With a management team with a combined hire trade experience of more than 100 years we serve customers throughout the Midlands, Worcestershire and beyond. We are a family firm with an unbelievable amount of family connections that gives us a truly unique team. Being an independent hire company means we have the freedom to identify a customer’s needs and quickly respond to their challenges, whether it be bespoke pricing, adapting our own fleet quickly to meet demand, or going the extra mile to source even the most elusive hire equipment, we have the flexibility to go above and beyond for our customers. With the combination of our in-house stock and ability to quickly source anything beyond that, we can efficiently serve a huge

Plant hire business Will Hire is celebrating its 20th birthday in 2024

An aerial view of the Will Hire site in Stourbridge Road, Lye

range of trades and different sizes of customers including national construction companies, facility management, groundworkers, mechanical engineering, and DIY heroes. Many of these wonderful trades have been kind enough to leave us great reviews on Google, Yell, and even Facebook. These numerous genuine reviews are a great window into the way we work and rank us

we can be a customer’s number one port of call, saving a load of time and hassle. We will not even entertain a switchboard so customers get straight through to hire department to get the help they need as soon as possible. In 2024 we’ll be celebrating our 20th birthday with our usual hire fleet expansion and improvements, additions to our site consumable range, and keep your eyes peeled for

as one of the most highly rated hire companies in the Midlands. Our team of 18 aims to eliminate the bugbears of the hire trade. We run eight vehicles to minimise delivery times, we prioritise exchanges and breakdown response times to keep sites working, and being a single source for all of a customer’s plant, tool, and access needs, with site consumables and customer tool repairs all under one roof means

the launch of our all new website – www.will-hire.com. With access to our almost limitless catalogue and many extra features for customers, we’re really looking forward to rolling that out later this year. So, for the Will Hire difference get in touch today. Come and see us on Stourbridge Road, Lye or call for a chat on 01384 424770. You can also find us on Linked In, Facebook, and Instagram – @willhireltd

The Midlands Largest ‘HIREpermarket’

Plant, Tool & Access Hire Site Consumables, Workwear & Tool Repairs www.will-hire.co.uk Call: 01384 4247 70

★★★★★ ★ ★★★★ 4.9

4.8 ★★★★★ ★★★★★

EXPRESS & STAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

The former Bloxwich post office will be transformed into Bloxwich Launchpad

Councillor Adrian Andrew

An aerial view of the SPARK site

Walsall’s exciting £1.5bn investments programme set to transform borough

JOHN CORSER

which has lain empty for two decades will be brought back into productive use. Work is currently taking place at the former Phoenix 10 site, off Reservoir Place, to make it ready for the creation of industrial space to let and which is envisaged would create more than 1,000 new jobs for the area. The West Midlands has become the first region in the UK to get ground-breaking new ‘Growth Zone’ powers which are capable of generating more than £1.7bn for local councils to spend on the levelling up of their most deprived areas and driving future growth and prosperity. One of these Growth Zones will be in Walsall and the borough council is looking forward to developing the plans in close partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Walsall has an exciting time ahead with its £1.5 billion transformation initiative now well underway

The borough of Walsall is in the middle of the major transformation, which is driving a major programme of improvements through a series of projects and partnerships. The investment programme is set to deliver more than 4,000 jobs and 1,000 new homes for the borough. Significant work is already underway to progress the transformation and as we head into a new year, excitement is building as progress ramps up.

Regeneration

Councillor Adrian Andrew, portfolio holder for regeneration at Walsall Council, said: “We start 2024 in a really strong place as a borough, with considerable funding and investment secured and lots of projects already well underway. “2023 saw us strengthen our plans for Walsall town centre and for Bloxwich, begin compulsory purchases to help us achieve aims for Willenhall and secure £20 million more funding to develop a longterm plan for Darlaston. “Delivery of flagship projects like the Town Centre Connected Gateway, Creative Industries Enterprise Centre and Bloxwich Launchpad, will start ramping up very soon and 2024 will see lots of spades in the ground as work starts. “These will create a step change in the Walsall offer and experience. “Heading into a New Year, we are focused on attracting more inward investment, engaging with developers, skills providers and businesses and working with our partners to bring all of our ambitious plans for the borough to life to benefit all residents.” In 2023 the council launched a new economic forum to bring together local businesses and the public sector, with the aim of shar-

Vision How the entrance to Walsall Railway Station will be improved as part of the Town Centre Connected Gateway ing best practice, collective problem solving and ensuring that the public sector and its services are accessible to local businesses. A number of stakeholders and local businesses of all sizes have been invited to take part in its regular meetings, and discussions at forum meetings will help to shape the council’s plans and services to meet the needs of local businesses and communities.

Investing

Manjit Jhooty, chairman of the Bloxwich and Walsall Town Deal Board and chief executive officer of Jhoots Group, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing what 2024 and beyond will bring for Walsall, and I look forward to continuing to work with council colleagues and fellow board members to help make Walsall a better place to live, work and do business. As a local business I

want to give something back to the borough and I believe very strongly in keeping the Walsall pound local and investing in our local area to create opportunities. “Consulting with local businesses will help us to ensure that barriers to growth are addressed and businesses are supported to thrive. “Walsall has a lot to be proud of, and a lot to look forward to.” Andrew Wellings, who is the managing director of Birchills Automotive, enthused: “For over four decades my business has thrived in Birchills, Walsall. The regeneration initiatives implemented by Walsall Council and its partners have been instrumental in enhancing our operations.” Stefan Gamble, chief executive officer of Walsall Football Club, said: “The regeneration and investment schemes planned for the borough will make us a more affluent

and progressive Walsall and will drive business success.” There is a huge amount of work in the pipeline that will transform Walsall, delivering borough-wide interventions to improve active travel and connectivity, building affordable housing and creating spaces for business and learners. In 2024 Walsall will have a presence at UKREiiF, in order to promote the borough and its multitude of opportunities to investors and developers.

Opportunities Walsall Council continues to look for opportunities to develop brownfield land and derelict sites and bring them back into sustainable use, with flagship site SPARK set to be operational by the first quarter of 2025. More than 40 acres of land at the old James Bridge copper works,

Walsall’s transformation is a big part of We Are Walsall 2040: a longterm vision for the borough, which is being driven by Walsall Council and its extensive network of partners. Organisations from across Walsall have come together to develop the vision for the borough. More than 10,000 residents and businesses from across the area have been sharing their considered views about what they want Walsall to look and be like in 2040 and beyond. Projects have been planned based on identified needs that have emerged from the extensive consultation programme with the views and ideas of local businesses forming a big part of that. The We are Walsall vision, which was released in 2023, is underpinning all of the important work that is now being set in place to improve the borough, to ensure that inward investment is spent in ways that will benefit local people and deliver the transformed Walsall borough that they really want to see in the future.

Creating opportunities

Creating over

1000

new homes

£1.5 billion programme of investment

Creating over 4000 jobs

Transforming our borough

Brownhills

Pelsall

Willenhall North

Welcome to

Walsall

Located at the heart of the country, Walsall has a proud industrial heritage. Home to a world-renowned leather industry, high-end manufacturing businesses and a world-class College, Walsall is a hub of innovation and creativity.

Bloxwich West

Aldridge North & Walsall Wood

Bloxwich East

Blakenall

Rushall Shelﬁeld

Birchills Leamore

Short Heath

St Matthews

Aldridge Central & South

Willenhall South Bentley & Darlaston North

Darlaston South

Pleck Paddock

Palfrey

Streetly Pheasey Park Farm

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of His Majesty’s Stationery Ofﬁce. © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. © Crown Copyright and database rights 2023 Ordnance Survey AC0000811014. NO FURTHER COPIES ARE TO BE MADE

Cannock getting new care home Cannock town centre is to benefit from significant investment with the opening of a new nursing home for adults living with complex needs. Midlands-based Deeley Group, headquartered in Coventry, has partnered with national health care provider Exemplar Health Care to transform Cannock Chase Council’s former Avon Road Car Park, opposite the Asda supermarket, into a 33-bedroom care home. Exemplar Health Care, which will own and operate the home once built, is funding the £6 million investment. The three-storey building will include communal living space, sensory bathrooms, a therapy room, car park and gardens. Once open the home will create around 100 new jobs. The land had been earmarked for sale in the Cannock Town Centre Development Prospectus.

Green light for town’s project Ambitious plans to regenerate a key part of a Cannock town centre have been approved Cannock Chase Council will move forward with its plans to regenerate the town centre after councillors on the planning control committee agreed to give outline planning permission. The scheme to create a leisure and cultural hub around the Prince of Wales Theatre and Church Street has attracted £20 million of Levelling Up Fund money. In all, the scheme affects land bounded by Ringway, Church Street and Market Hall Street. The regeneration aims to deliver a mixed-use leisure and cultural hub, the refurbishment of the Prince of Wales Theatre and a new Northern Gateway into the town centre.

Cycling route to improve safety A new multi-million-pound cycling route along one of Sandwell’s most congested routes has been given the go-ahead. The new route takes in the whole of the A461 from Great Bridge in Tipton through to Burnt Tree and Castle Gate in Dudley, and includes segregated walking and cycle paths and a new dedicated bus lane. Sandwell Council says it will cut congestion, provide better infrastructure for walking and cycling, and improve road safety and journey times for public transport. The route also includes a twopart 820-metre bus lane along most of the congested A461 in Dudley Port. Central hatching and right-turn waiting spaces along Dudley Port will be removed. It is hoped the improvements will increasef journeys by bike and foot along the route by five per cent and by bus by three per cent by 2030.

EXPRESS & STAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

Finding new use for historic buildings set to grow

Charles Warrack of Fisher German

The regeneration of historic buildings into new commercial and residential opportunities as opposed to constructing from scratch is set to increase into 2024, a commercial property expert has predicted. Charles Warrack, partner at leading property consultancy Fisher German, is seeing the commercial and buy-to-let residential market shift towards a preference to work with what is already on a site, rather than looking to build brand-new. This is partly down to regenerated buildings having a reduced carbon footprint, as well as the generally quicker turnaround of completing the sale.

Charles is also seeing buyers pay an increased premium for sites with change-of-use planning permission already in place, or permission to build further units on existing land, as fewer buyers are willing to try and seek permission themselves with backlogs in the planning system slowing progress. With interest rates predicted to stabilise in 2024, Charles believes that demand will increase and that sites with permissions will attract even more attention. He said: “While regenerated buildings and sites with consent for changes have always been more desirable, we are seeing this de-

mand increase as 2024 begins and we think it will only increase further when borrowing costs come down. In the past, conditional offers subject to gaining permission may have been suitable for particular sites, but now it is almost always worth it to get that changeof-use permission first.” This trend has been highlighted by recent market opportunities in the Midlands, including the sale of a retail unit in Walsall with permission for the top two floors to be converted into 13 residential apartments, and a children’s play centre in Cradley with permission to have two flats on the first floor.

Transformation of department store key to town regeneration

JOHN CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

Senior Stafford Borough Council members have given the go-ahead to buy a landmark town centre shop unit for regeneration into living and market space. The Co-op Department Store closed a decade ago and is now one of several empty shops on Stafford town centre’s Gaolgate Street. But it is set to be transformed as part of ambitious plans to bring more people back into the north end of the town centre, using money from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. The council cabinet agreed proposals to acquire the building and include the development scheme in its capital programme. It was announced in December 2020 that the council, under its previous administration, had been awarded £14.3m from the Future High Streets Fund, but there have been challenges since then for the council in its bid to bring empty town centre shop buildings back into use. Deputy council leader Councillor Rob Kenney, whose role includes overseeing town centre regeneration, said: “The Co-op has been an iconic building in the centre of Stafford for as long as I can remember.” Councillor Kenney said the number one issue for residents in Staf-

How the former department store in Gaolgate Street could look after redevelopment for living and market space ford is Stafford town centre, which is why it is at the top of the priority list. Phase two of the transformation programme involves the refurbishment of the area outside Stafford Railway Station, improving the first impression we give to visitors that arrive by train and encouraging them to experience the award-win-

Council plans for shopping centre

Stafford Borough Council plans to buy the Guildhall Shopping Centre as part of its ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the town. The centre houses around 20 retail and business units. It also has a multi-storey car park and office accommodation. The council is preparing a business case and will be inviting residents to feed back on any pro-

posals this year. There are only a handful of shops currently trading inside the complex, including The Fragrance Shop and Eurochange. The council will be looking for a partner to help redevelop the site. It has secured more than £14 million from the Government’s Future High Street Fund which will support the acquisition.

ning Victoria Park on their way into the town centre. “The north end of the town centre is in need of regeneration and we need to reinvent the town centre. The council secured £14m from Government, which we are now using to make a town residents are proud of, where visitors want to come, people want to socialise,

shop, eat and drink and businesses want to invest. Our plans include providing new homes as part of the development, bringing people to live in the heart of the town centre, which will breathe new life into the area. “This is an exciting start to our ambitious plans,” said Councillor Kenney.

Housing week to address city needs Young people and communities are urged to use the first-ever Birmingham Housing Week to “look beyond the hard hats and bricks” and explore the raft of housing sector career opportunities as part of a city master plan to deliver new jobs, homes, investment and green space. The week will be taking place from February 5 to 9 and will centre on addressing housing provision

in the city and highlight investment and employment opportunities. In addition to focusing on housing provision, Birmingham Housing Week is committed to fostering a sense of community engagement. Events during the week will emphasise the importance of community development, ensuring that housing initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of the residents.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | EXPRESS & STAR

whg’s ambitious plans become real

whg is dedicated to shaping the future of the region through ambitious regeneration initiatives.

As proud champions of placeshaping that enables communities to thrive, the long-term investor and landlord is making the most out of technically difficult brownfield sites and disused buildings. whg was first formed in 2003 when council owned housing stock for social rent was transferred to them from Walsall Council. Since then it has expanded its operating area, investing in new home development across 19 local authorities. whg’s diverse portfolio now includes homes for social rent, affordable rent, market rent, shared ownership and schemes for the over-55s, fostering both multi-generational and mixed tenure communities. With 26 live sites and 782 homes under construction, whg is pushing towards its record of delivering more than 500 homes in 2023/24.

Creating new places The Royal Quarter in Wolverhampton, a new residential place created out of land in and around the iconic former Royal Hospital, is a collaborative effort between Morrow Partnerships, Homes England, the YMCA, City of Wolverhampton

The Royal Quarter, Wolverhampton, is in and around the former hospital

Lockside is a new 324-home canalside community in Walsall

Council and local charity All Saints Action Network. With around 500 homes across three phases, phase one and part of phase two are already occupied. The ongoing phase two includes 48 apartments for over 55s within the Grade II Listed former hospital, and 154 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership on land to the rear. whg is also expanding its offer and is currently building homes for the first time in Stourbridge. The

England. The final piece of the jigsaw will see 126 affordable homes built at Goscote Place. Altogether, the £88 million scheme will have delivered a community of around 800 new homes. Meanwhile, Lockside is set to transform Walsall’s landscape with a 324-home canalside community. Located on the sites of the former Caparo steelworks and Metafin factory, the development is breathing life into a previously neglected area

landlord is working with Revelan Group, Homes England and Dudley Council on the scheme, which will transform the former Tudor Dairies site into a 51-home development. Within Walsall, whg is working with Keepmoat on the last phase of the ambitious Goscote Lane Corridor regeneration programme, the largest scheme of its kind in the borough. Partners have also included Walsall Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and Homes

Supporting customers to live well for longer Our wellbeing schemes are designed exclusively for over 55s: Beautifully ﬁnished kitchens and bathrooms

of the town and bringing a range of homes and apartments. The scheme has been achieved in partnership with Lovell Partnerships, Walsall Council, Homes England and WMCA.

Find out more To find out more about how whg is building new communities and supporting them to flourish and prosper in the future, visit whg. uk.com

Two new schemes coming soon Nightingale House, Wolverhampton Lockside Pointe, Walsall

Controlled access and on-site car parking Communal spaces including lounge, kitchen facilities and garden Individual apartments set in a friendly community Dedicated wellbeing ofﬁcers ensuring personalised support Varied programme of free activities

I feel really safe here, which is important to me. There are lots of activities to join in with so I have company when I want it, but I also have my own space when I need it – it’s the best of both worlds. Janet, customer at Keelson Pointe wellbeing scheme.

Find out more at whg.uk.com

EXPRESS & STAR | TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

The 1960s Hill & Smith factory

Gates from the 1860s

The factory floor in 1998

Hill & Smith: 200 years of protecting people, property and infrastructure JOHN CORSER In 1824, in the heart of the West Midlands – in the depths of the Black Country – a legacy began – Hill & Smith, originally known as Hill’s Ironworks.

From crafting puddling machines to contributing to iconic structures like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and shaping the nation’s highways, our 200-year journey is steeped in British manufacturing heritage and a story of change, resilience, and innovation. Edward Hill and Henry Smith’s partnership set the stage, evolving into Hill & Smith in 1853. Royal beginnings saw miles of fencing supplied for Queen Victoria’s estate. An important junction in our journey came in 1922, when we centred our efforts on steel railings and bridges, putting public safety at the forefront of our work. The World Wars called for us to pivot into bespoke offerings, and then to fight back in the difficult years that followed. But we forged ahead, and in 1969, we listed on the London Stock Exchange. The 1970s sparked another significant turning point. We started manufacturing crash barriers for the Department of Transport – the first UK-tested restraint systems on the market – and built our own galvanising plant. In 1986, H&S Holdings was created to support this expansion and growth… now known as Hill & Smith PLC. Hill & Smith Infrastructure was created in 2022 as Hill & Smith Barriers joined forces with Asset VRS, Hardstaff Barriers, and Varley and Gulliver – bringing together four leading road safety companies and becoming a significant member of the road and security division . Still proudly residing in the UK’s heart 200 years on, Hill & Smith Infrastructure combines strength and expertise, committed to pro-

Hill & Smith’s modern barrier products are playing a vital role on the nation’s major roads network tecting people and infrastructure. Together, we develop, manufacture and supply a comprehensive range of temporary and permanent Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) and Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) products and services.

Asset VRS Trusted experts throughout the UK and Ireland, Asset VRS manufacture, supply and install temporary VRS products such as safety barriers, vehicle attenuator systems, and more. Our systems can be seen providing road workers safety on many highways schemes, most recently the M40/M42 upgrade.

Hardstaff Barriers Well-respected in the industry, Hardstaff not only delivers the National Barrier Asset (NBA) for high

profile events such as the Commonwealth Games, and the King’s coronation, but also offers, zonal protection and delineation solutions, and temporary and permanent safety barrier installations.

Hill & Smith Barriers The pioneers in vehicle restraint systems, with two centuries of expertise and decades of being a VRS supplier to National Highways and road authorities worldwide, Hill & Smith Barriers provide top-tier highway safety solutions, from the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme to Saudi/Yemen border road.

Varley & Gulliver Experts in metal fabrication since the 1920s, Varley & Gulliver leads in designing, installing and maintaining bridge parapets, pedestri-

an barriers and bespoke solutions. They also have an international reach and their products have been installed in many locations ranging from the Erskine Bridge in Scotland to the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi.

A company that cares

At Hill & Smith Infrastructure, doing the right thing is a way of life. Our commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and community is ingrained in our ethos. We’re not just a business – we’re a force for positive change. Regarded as honest, reliable and dependable partners, we ensure our customers not only meet their safety and security goals, but exceed them. By operating with a strong sense of responsibility, we do this sustainably and ethically, providing long-term value to our customers,

employees, suppliers and the environment. If our team is in good hands, then our customers are in good hands. So we invest in our employees, looking after their wellbeing through various programmes. By prioritising health and happiness, we ensure that our team is empowered to deliver their best, consistently. We believe in giving back to the community. Through initiatives like Charitable Donation Matching and volunteering during working hours, we actively contribute to worthy causes and support local communities such as BilstonTown FC through sponsorship. We take responsibility for our environmental impact. And, to make ourselves accountable, we’ve pledged to achieve net zero across our operations by 2040. We recently launched our low-carbon range of products. Both the materials and processes make them tread a little lighter on the planet. Combining our past and present, Hill & Smith Infrastructure is not just a company – it’s a legacy in motion. We’ve been manufacturing here in the Black Country for 200 years, and as we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to working together and protecting lives through innovation, manufacturing and sustainability. Our latest investment of a £750k Vernet machine showcases our unwavering investment, alongside moving our West Bromwich factory into our existing Bilston site. This combined manufacturing site will optimise the use and space and reduce our carbon footprint, while bringing all our expertise under one roof, facilitating collaboration across departments and leveraging efficiencies. We’re proud and delighted to say there have been no compulsory redundancies during this time and are looking forward to welcoming everyone at Bilston by March 2024. Find out more about Hill & Smith Infrastructure and our history at our website: hillandsmithinfrastructure.com

Celebrating 200 years Protecting people, property and infrastructure

British manufacturing, experts in Vehicle Restraints Systems Learn more hillandsmithinfrastructure.com

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