Plans to turn a vast derelict site in Wednesbury into a new community of over 600 homes have taken a major step forward with Keepmoat appointed as preferred developer.

Sandwell Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority have selected the house builder to lead delivery of the Friar Park Urban Village scheme.

The 32-football pitch site has sat empty for over 40 years after its past life as a waste plant, foundry and hospital. Around a quarter of the new homes will be affordable.

Before house building starts, the partners will submit a planning application for a major land clean-up to deal with decades of contamination.

The remediation of the site is expected to last 2-3 years and the site will be fully developed in 8-10 years.

Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker said Keepmoat’s appointment marked a big step forward and confirmed the Environment Agency is prioritising the site’s remediation plans.

Keepmoat has a 2023 strategic partnership with the WMCA to deliver 4,000 homes across the region.