HBD moves forward with Walsall SPARK scheme

A manufacturing and logistics development is moving forward with the next stage of expansion.

Developer HBD, part of Sheffield-headquartered Henry Boot, has secured planning approval for the second phase of its £126 million SPARK scheme, in Walsall. 

The new stage will deliver three units totalling more than 100,000sq ft of net zero-enabled space close to the M6, with construction scheduled to begin in November 2025.

SPARK is being built on the former James Bridge Copper Works site, which has undergone extensive remediation to transform it into a sustainable new business location. 

Once complete, the scheme will provide 620,000sq ft of high-quality industrial space and is expected to create more than 1000 jobs.

Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD, said: “There remains a shortage of prime stock in established locations, which is driving strong interest from potential occupiers. 

“SPARK is not only incredibly well-located but is highly sustainable which is a major driver for businesses looking for net zero-enabled space that will support their ESG obligations. 

“We have created an ideal location for logistics and manufacturing businesses at SPARK and look forward to seeing the scheme continue to take shape over the coming months.”

Construction on phase one is already well underway, with two units delivered by Origin – a joint venture partnership between HBD and Feldberg Capital – due for completion later this year, with an additional build-to-suit unit to follow.

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