Plans to transform a former abattoir site into a Lidl supermarket and residential housing have received approval from local authorities. In the mid-19th century FA Gills also established themselves on the site as an abattoir and sausage factory. With the sale of the business in early 2023, operations ceased. Soon, a dynamic new anchor retail space and 200-300 new homes will be built on the underutilized 3.2-acre site. This brilliant spot is on the corner of Birmingham New Road and Parkfield Road.
Lidl has already formally submitted a planning application for one of the new proposed supermarkets. This new store will have a total floorspace of 2,185 square meters and net sales area of 1,516 square meters. The $3.4 million development is projected to bring about 40 new jobs to the region, helping to energize the local economy. Their local district council has given the planning permission to knock down the current factory building, clearing space for this new injection.
Alongside the supermarket, the development will see the inclusion of up to 17 one-to-four-bedroom houses. This new addition will help meet their western community’s housing needs while fostering smart growth, healthier living, and other sustainable development practices. The new supermarket will be accompanied by a car park with space for 110 cars. This totals 6 handicap accessible spaces and 9 parent and child spaces. In addition, the parking lot will include two electric vehicle charging points and have 12 spaces for bicycles.
The impact of the advancement goes past jobs and housing.
“The proposal represents a welcome investment in the city.” – City of Wolverhampton Council’s planners
This change is a welcome advance toward reimagining and regenerating long-neglected spaces into vital community assets. With every step it takes toward completion, the project holds the potential to do wonders for the city’s economy and quality of life in urban area.
“The development will bring a vacant parcel of brownfield land into active use, remediate the site, provide local job opportunities, affordable housing, and bring inward investment to the area.” – The application
This transformation marks an important step towards revitalizing previously underutilized land while meeting essential community needs. As the project moves forward, it promises to contribute positively to both the local economy and the urban landscape.
