Major Projects - Darlaston Strategic Development Area

A major strategic location of more than 54 developable acres, Darlaston SDA represents one of the West Midlands’ prime regeneration opportunities.

Falling both sides of the M6 at the very heart of the national motorway network, and with easy access to Birmingham International Airport, Darlaston SDA presents a compelling case for national and international companies looking to establish a high profile presence.

With substantial investment required to remediate the land, WRC’s strategy is built around a clear focus on delivering solutions. Establishing a close working relationship with the Environment Agency, the approach is recognised as an innovative model of best practice. This has encouraged regional development agency Advantage West Midlands to acquire a key site within the SDA to kick-start development. Pilot remediation commenced in early 2009 with full engineering works to follow.

WRC is seeking to create a high quality environment, emphasising the area’s heritage and canal, forming an early feature of the Black Country Urban Park.

Links to Walsall Gigaport by fibre optic cable will give businesses locating here broadband at speeds of a gigabyte a second, 120 times faster than normal, in both directions. Truly a fifth ‘Industrial Revolution’ on sites that once housed the ‘engine room’ of the first. With connectivity at the speed of light the platform is there for inspirational transformation, leading the way for the Black Country and West Midlands.

Darlaston SDA has the potential to create between 2,500 and 4,500 jobs with 21st century skills.