Regeneration
Derelict Willenhall factory is no more! Demolition clears decades of dereliction
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Walsall Council’s plans to breathe new life into long abandoned brownfield sites in Willenhall have taken an exciting step forward this week with full demolition of the old Legge factory now complete.
Working in partnership with Keepmoat, the council is unlocking large areas of derelict land in Willenhall to create much‑needed new homes. The work has been welcomed by residents who have long complained about the derelict factories that have been magnets for antisocial behaviour.
The Ingersoll-Rand factory, also known as the Legge factory, on Moat Street in Willenhall dates back to the 1800s and was once a thriving lock maker. The factory closed and has remained empty and decaying since the early 2000s. Its removal marks the start of a new chapter for the community, opening the door for modern homes and a safer, more welcoming neighbourhood.
“ It’s fantastic to see the derelict Legge Factory building gone. The progress in Willenhall is absolutely brilliant and it’s great to see these eyesores come down.
Attracting the funding and then going through the legal process to purchase the site and bring it forward for development has taken a long time so I’m very proud and excited that we’ve reached this milestone. This demolition will make way for new homes for our community, it’s a really exciting time for Willenhall “
“ At Keepmoat, we’re pleased to be progressing the latest phase of regeneration works in Willenhall. Working alongside the council, we have been able to progress with the remediation works to remove the derelict building in the process of meeting the demand and housing requirements of the local community.
Here at Keepmoat, we pride ourselves on being experts in brownfield regeneration and unlocking this site in collaboration with Walsall Council is a testament to our commitment. We’re looking forward to progressing our plans for the development, transforming an area previously prone to antisocial behaviour into a place where people want to live “
The plan will see these sites demolished, cleared and transformed into much-needed homes for general market sale (25% will be affordable in line with council planning policy) helping the Borough of Walsall to achieve Government-set future housing targets whilst reducing antisocial behaviour in Willenhall and creating a more welcoming, clean, safe community for local people.
