M6 J10 Cluster

This strategic cluster of sites around M6 Junction 10 offers opportunities for new industrial developments in the UK’s manufacturing heartland.

As promoter Walsall Council is seeking development partners, end-occupiers and forward funding on a number of significant sites to bring forward exciting new industrial development.

With 64 hectares of highly accessible and developable employment land, this cluster opportunity meets increasing market demand and supports the provision of much needed strategic employment land in the region.

The area around M6 Junction 10 is a highly attractive setting for manufacturing and logistics businesses given its place at the heart of the UK’s Motorway network, providing direct access for both customers and suppliers.

The local road network has recently seen substantial improvements through a £26m  investment scheme, together with on-site work nearing completion on the £78m improvements to Junction 10 of the M6. The area will also benefit from a new rail station that will provide connections to Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham; opening in 2025.

The project comprises the development of a number of significant vacant employment sites within a 1.75 kilometres radius of M6 Junction 10, some of which are defined within the Black Country Enterprise Zone and the Walsall Growth Zone.

Development partners can invest in delivery of the sites in different ways from land acquisition through to development finance.

Walsall Council has already taken a lead role in supporting delivery of two of the key sites within the cluster to act as a catalyst for future investment. Henry Boot Developments are working as developer partner for one of the largest employment opportunity sites in the West Midlands region, known as SPARK, and jointly owned by the UK Government and Walsall Council. SPARK is connected to and highly visible from the main Motorway network, and a significant multimillion pound public investment is funding comprehensive enabling works that are nearing completion to prepare the site for the delivery of major employment space from 2024 onwards.

The 8-hectare former Gasholders site within the cluster has been acquired by Walsall Council from National Grid to facilitate future development. Public sector partners are working closely with other private landowners within the cluster to support further development opportunities. The Council is also supporting new, growing and relocating businesses and end occupiers to locate into the area.

Why invest in Walsall?

Walsall is one of the metropolitan areas in the Black Country sub-region and neighbours the City of Birmingham. The M6 runs through the Borough with junctions 9 and 10 giving direct access to Walsall, whilst the M5, M42, M54 and M6 Toll are also nearby. Walsall is benefitting from significant investment in its rail infrastructure through line electrification, development of new stations and increased routes and service frequencies. With highways, local transport and rail network, the Borough has a catchment area of five million people within 45 minutes reach.

Walsall has a strong industrial history focused on production. Walsall is internationally famous and retains world class excellence for its leather trade and saddles, including the manufacturing of leather goods for the Royal family. Walsall borough also has a strong history in many types of metalwork including chains and lock making.

The planned growth within the West Midlands conurbation means that new homes and jobs will be required within Walsall to meet demand and create the next generation of sustainable opportunities. The creation of high-quality environments for residents, workers, businesses and visitors to thrive is a key reason for the planned investment and commitment to sustainable change.

Insight for investors

• Type of Investment Sought: Development opportunity, Joint Venture opportunity, forward funding / investors and freehold / leasehold occupiers
• Value and cost info: £300m + GDV
• Site Size: 64 hectares
• Jobs: 3,500
• Timescale: 2024-2030
• Delivery Timescale: Immediate
• Planning Status: Sites allocated in local plan- Walsall Site Allocation Document (adopted 2019)