The regen potential of ex-industrial sites

The regeneration of neglected or underutilised sites has emerged as a key focus for government, combined authorities and councils in recent years, driven by objectives to stimulate economic growth and revitalise communities that have been left behind by deindustrialisation. Large-scale regenerations are major projects that require a complex set of legal, commercial, technical and environmental issues to be untangled. Moreover, the financial investment and the timescales involved should not be underestimated. If these hurdles can be overcome, the result can be transformative for the local area in driving up living standards and economic activity, while developing a better sense of place. Injecting new life A prime example of such an initiative is Spark Walsall, which our Browne Jacobson regeneration team has been involved in for the past decade. Based at an old copper works site in the Black Country, Spark is a major 44-acre regeneration scheme being delivered by Henry Boot Developments in partnership with Walsall Council and Homes England. Supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, it has a gross development value of £110m. This project stands as a testament to the potential of regeneration efforts to inject new life into communities, creating employment, enhancing infrastructure and stimulating local economies. The environmental aspects have involved remediation of mine workings. This once-derelict industrial site is being transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use development, including a new logistics and manufacturing hub spanning 620,000 sq ft that encourages innovation and forward thinking. Industrial strength The challenge of regeneration, however, extends beyond singular projects. Across the nation, disused industrial sites, coal mines and power plants present significant opportunities for development and economic revitalisation. The Coal Authority and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority have both initiated explorations into sustainable uses for decommissioned sites. These sites hold potential not only for social housing and urban regeneration, but also as pivotal elements in the transition towards net-zero emissions. For instance, disused mines could be repurposed as desalination plants or geothermal energy sources, while old power plants could be adapted for biomass energy production, or as sites for solar and wind energy generation. Britain’s last coal-fired power station, at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, is another great example of such possibilities. It is being redeveloped into a zero-carbon technology and energy hub, with capabilities for advanced manufacturing, green energy generation and logistics. It will create up to 8,000 local jobs and contribute more than £500m to the local economy annually. The restoration of Ratcliffe is embedded within a broader economic strategy, including the growth of advanced manufacturing and logistics surrounding East Midlands Airport’s air freight operation and the East Midlands Freeport, which leverages various economic and tax incentives to accelerate infrastructure development. A collaborative approach is being encouraged among quasi-governmental entities, local authorities, private sector companies and other stakeholders to pool resources, align local and national requirements, and identify potential regeneration solutions. Such collaboration is essential for stimulating economic development and innovation in regions previously reliant on traditional industries for employment and energy. Government incentives However, the path to realising these transformation opportunities is fraught with challenges, notably the initial investment required for environmental clean-up and a regulatory framework that requires careful navigation by developers. The legal framework and financial incentives provided by government are instrumental in encouraging the regeneration of neglected sites. Traditionally, these incentives have included grants, tax breaks or low-interest loans, alongside subsidies for renewable energy projects and tax credits for environmental clean-up efforts. The active involvement of the government in regenerating sites underscores its commitment to sustainable development and energy diversification. To actualise the vision of transforming these neglected sites, a strategic, actionable roadmap is essential. A critical first step is the enhancement of government subsidies and incentives specifically designed to lower the financial barriers for initial environmental clean-up and infrastructure development. This should be coupled with tailored financial support, such as increased grants or more attractive tax incentives for projects that align with sustainability and community revitalisation goals. In terms of legislative frameworks, streamlining planning consent, especially for projects with significant environmental and community benefits, and creating a more cohesive policy environment could reduce the delays and uncertainties that impact project viability. We should also foster collaboration through more structured partnerships between government bodies, local authorities, private sector stakeholders and communities towards developing an integrated regeneration roadmap. Public-private roadmap In conclusion, developers and landowners, in partnership with technical and professional advisers, and various government bodies, play a vital role in ensuring the efforts to regenerate disused sites are channelled effectively. This could involve dedicated collaborations focused on identifying and unlocking the potential of disused sites, as a central hub for resource, sharing best practices and co-ordinating public-private efforts to create a conducive environment for transformative projects. Such transformations need to be built on sound legal principles, and supported by effective legislative and financial frameworks. This collaborative and supportive approach is essential for unlocking the vast potential these sites hold for energy diversification, sustainable development and community transformation. Zoe Stollard and Zo Hoida are partners at Browne Jacobson Spark Wallsall image from HBD