In March we  welcomed hosted the quarterly Community Liaison Group (CLG) to share the latest updates on progress at the WMI site, including construction activity, planning developments, and community initiatives.

Construction progress

Work continues across the site, with key activity focused on the A5 Watling Street and surrounding infrastructure.

Reinstatement works on the A5 will take place overnight in mid-April, including road markings and barrier removal. Temporary road closures will be in place during these works, with signed diversions and maintained property access. Future phases will include temporary traffic lights to facilitate the installation of lighting duct crossings.

For more information about upcoming traffic management, please visit the Community Hub.

Planning and development

Construction of Unit 5030 is progressing well. The steel frame and external cladding are now complete, with internal works underway. Handover to Carlsberg Britvic is expected in mid-May, subject to water connections. Disturbance has remained minimal, with no issues reported by local residents.

The construction of future units is expected to begin from September 2026. Progress is also being made on key infrastructure across the site, including access roads and the spine road (southern section approved and northern section submitted to South Staffordshire District Council).

An application for the A449 roundabout is progressing through technical approvals. In addition, over 2km of upgraded canal towpath has been approved to support active travel and improve accessibility.

Environmental considerations remain a priority. An application has been submitted to enable vegetation clearance along the A5, including the removal of a lime tree and sections of hedgerow required to facilitate a water main diversion. Replacement planting is proposed, and further discussions with residents will take place, including a site meeting to review plans in more detail.

The project is also progressing an ecology corridor, which will connect Calf Heath Wood to the reservoir, forming a key part of the site’s long-term environmental strategy.

Social value

Delivering positive social value remains central to the project. Since the last CLG meeting, the project has:

• Supported work experience and T-Level placements across both construction and infrastructure works
• Hosted site visits for students, including students from the University of Wolverhampton and Thomas Telford UTC
• Delivered careers engagement activities such as mock interviews, insight sessions, and careers fairs
• Provided placements for students from South Staffordshire College

We’ve also continued supporting local communities through donation campaigns and volunteering, including initiatives with South Staffordshire Family Hubs, Hearts and Hands, and Staffordshire Women’s Aid.

Looking ahead, further education initiatives are planned throughout the summer term, alongside an Easter donation campaign. Apprenticeship opportunities in civil engineering, quantity surveying, and site supervision are now live, with an assessment day scheduled for May 2026.

We continue to create opportunities for local businesses, with six work packages currently being promoted through local and regional channels, helping to build momentum within the local supply chain.

Community Parks and engagement

Plans for the community parks are being resubmitted, with ongoing engagement with residents, particularly around areas such as Calf Heath.

Keeping informed

If you have any questions about the latest project updates, please contact us at contactus@communityrelations.co.uk or by calling  0800 377 7345.

To keep up to date with the latest project news, you can subscribe to the project newsletter and traffic management updates at the bottom of any page on the website.