Demolition marks new life for former factory site

The demolition of a former Burton factory marks a new era for the town, as work gets underway on creating a brand new community of 150 homes from award-winning housebuilder Barratt West Midlands.

The former JB Kind factory on Shobnall Street is currently being demolished in a £25 million project from Barratt, which will see new life injected into the site that has seen the manufacture of wooden pallets and doors for over 130 years. In the summer JB Kind relocated its operations to more modern, purpose built premises in Swadlincote.

Much of the demolished material from the factory will be crushed on site and reused in the new building works, for example in creating the roads. As well as recycling, this will help reduce traffic movements on the surrounding roads. Demolition is likely to take 10 to 12 weeks.

Barratt has recently submitted plans for the scheme to East Staffordshire Borough Council, where it hopes to build a selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments. Sales Director for Barratt West Midlands, David Child said, “Orton Place will provide a collection of high quality new dwellings, fulfilling a real need in Burton Upon Trent.

“This is a major project for us, our first in Burton which clearly represents our commitment to 100 per cent of our developments to be built on brownfield land. JB Kind remains a major employer in the town and we are keen to ensure the emerging community brings something valuable to the area.

“Our plans include a significant area of landscaping, creating open green spaces currently missing in many of Burton’s urban areas.”

Barratt hopes to be able to begin construction in February 2008 and sales will launch from May 2008. The entire project should be complete within three to four years.

For more information log on to Barratthomes.co.uk.