Former Gasholders Site Redevelopment

The Council is looking to redevelop the site known as the Former Gasholders Site, Darlaston Road, Walsall. The Council have assembled and acquired the whole site; comprised of the former National Grid Gasholders site plus adjoining land to the south.

The project will involve the transformation of this circa 9-hectare brownfield site into a modern industrial estate suitable for logistics, light manufacturing, and warehousing. The site is a strategic delivery priority for the Council as part of the Black Country Enterprise Zone and Walsall Growth Zone and is allocated as 'Potential High-Quality Industry' in the Walsall Site Allocation Document (SAD).

The site is a significant opportunity based on its connectivity being adjacent to the M6 and other upcoming industrial developments in proximity. The proposed redevelopment will assist in generating new employment, training, and business opportunities in Walsall as part of the M6 Junction 10 employment area.

The project scope encompasses all activities required to enable the successful redevelopment of the site for industrial use, including: Site Remediation and Preparation to address any contamination and Earthworks to prepare the ground for construction, including site clearance, grading, and levelling. Mitigation of On-Site Constraints such as ecology, flood risk, and utilities diversion to facilitate development.

Creation of a site access that is suitable for future traffic movements associated with the site. Installation of all necessary utilities and site-wide infrastructure.

Construction of four high-quality industrial units suitable for B2 (General Industrial) or B8 (Storage and Distribution) use, each ranging from 30,000 to 99,999 sq. ft GIA including associated external works. The contract value for both the remediation of the land and a possible development viability gap is anticipated to be in the region of £30m - £40m + VAT, however this will be reviewed as the procurement is progressed.

The Council now wishes to carry out a formal Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) process. The feedback from the PME will be used to shape the procurement strategy for this project.

Two options under consideration at this time are: Option 1 Developer to remediate the land and develop the site. Option 2 Contractor to remediate the land, with a secondary procurement of a Developer to develop the remediated site.