HBD has secured reserved matters planning consent for three units totalling 464,000 sq ft at its £110m GDV SPARK industrial and logistics development in Walsall.
The new units at SPARK will range from 20,000 sq ft to 254,000 sq ft. HBD, which has the option to draw down the land in phases, is already reporting occupier interest and intends to begin construction on the first of the newly consented units in Q4 2024.
The wider 620,000 sq ft SPARK project, which is being built on the former James Bridge Copper Works site, is being delivered in partnership with Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority and Black Country LEP.
Tim Roberts, CEO of Henry Boot, said: “Industrial and logistics remains one of our high conviction sectors and carrying out the specialised remediation works and securing detailed planning for the first three units at SPARK is testament to HBD’s expertise in navigating an increasingly onerous and complex planning system.
“We’re already seeing good occupier interest in the project, due to the lack of high-quality space with strong sustainability credentials in prime Midlands locations, which gives us confidence that we will have secured an occupier and started on site developing the first units by the end of the year. This new logistics and manufacturing hub will add to our growing industrial portfolio and replenish our committed development programme.”
Philippa Venables, director of regeneration and economy at Walsall Council, added: “We are thrilled to see HBD progress with the reserved matters planning for the first three units at SPARK, marking a significant milestone in the development of this landmark logistics and manufacturing hub in Walsall. The collaboration between HBD, Walsall Council, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority and Black Country LEP underscores our commitment to driving economic growth and creating job opportunities in the region.”
Mike Goulding, development director central at Homes England, said: “This marks an important step forward and adds further momentum to the SPARK project. We are pleased to be working collaboratively, to drive forward a project that will transform this large brownfield site into a sustainable place that will increase employment opportunities in the area.”
