Construction Begins on Foundry Business Park, Creating 330 Jobs

Work has officially commenced on the Foundry Business Park in Bilston, a significant development aimed at transforming a derelict brownfield site into a thriving business hub. This initiative is projected to create over 330 new jobs and represents an investment of £28 million in the local economy.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has contributed £12.5 million to support the project, which spans 15 acres on Brook Street. The property development company Goold Estates has engaged Caddick Construction as the main contractor tasked with delivering 166,500 square feet of modern urban logistics and industrial space.

Transforming the Local Economy

According to Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, the regeneration of previously unused urban land is a critical component of his Growth Plan. He stated, “Regenerating derelict urban land for new homes and jobs is a key part of my Growth Plan, which will help reignite our regional economy and drive a new era of prosperity.” Parker emphasized that Foundry Business Park will not only provide high-quality workspaces but also create significant employment opportunities for local residents.

The development will feature 15 new units, with sizes ranging from 2,513 to 63,466 square feet, catering to a variety of business needs. The units are expected to be available by spring 2026, facilitating local businesses’ growth and attracting new investments to the area.

A Legacy of Industrial Use

Dominic Goold, Managing Director of Goold Estates, highlighted the challenges of developing the site, which has a complex industrial history involving coal mining and steel production. “This brownfield site has a complex industrial legacy, including coal mining and steel making, which meant it remained vacant for over 20 years,” he noted. The extensive consultation process required to advance the project underscores its significance to the community.

Goold expressed confidence in the project’s potential to stimulate economic growth, stating, “We have considerable experience regenerating derelict sites that deliver lasting economic and environmental benefits.” The Foundry Business Park is expected to play a crucial role in supporting local businesses and enhancing the region’s economic landscape.

The Bilston Urban Village initiative has already seen substantial progress, with hundreds of affordable homes created for families in the area. Coun Stephen Simkins, Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, remarked on the positive impact of the new industrial and distribution units, saying, “The new industrial and distribution units being developed at Foundry Park will deliver hundreds of jobs for our residents.”

As the project moves forward, further investments are anticipated, contributing to a promising future for Bilston. The development of Foundry Business Park marks an important step in providing the platform necessary for local businesses to flourish and for residents to secure meaningful employment opportunities.