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 and forward funding on a number of significant sites to bring forward exciting new industrial development.

With 52 hectares of highly accessible and developable employment land this cluster of 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 with £26m of investment and on-site work is well-advanced on the £78m improvements to Junction 10 of the M6 which is due to complete in 2022. The area will also benefit from a new rail station that will provide connections to Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham; opening in 2023.

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.

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 have been selected as developer partner for the 18 hectare Phoenix 10 site, one of the largest employment opportunity sites in the West Midlands region and jointly owned by the UK Government and Walsall Council. The site is connected to and highly visible from the main Motorway network, and a significant multimillion pound public investment has been agreed to undertake enabling works that commenced in March 2022 to prepare the site for the delivery of major employment space.

The 8 hectare former Gasholders site within the cluster has been acquired by Walsall Council from National Grid to facilitate future development, and public sector partners are working closely with other private landowners within the cluster to support further development opportunities. Development is being informed by master planning within the Black Country Enterprise Zone.

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 45minutes 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 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 in order 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 partners, forward funding / investors and occupiers
• Value and cost info: £300m + GDV
• Site Size: 52ha
• Jobs: 3000
• Timescale: 2022-2026
• Delivery Timescale: Immediate
• Planning Status: Sites allocated in local plan- Walsall Site Allocation Document (adopted 2019)