IM Properties has established an enviable reputation for regenerating brownfield sites into high quality industrial and business parks. With several highly successful examples in the West Midlands ~ including the award winning Junction Six scheme in Birmingham ~ the company's jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the 400 acre (161 ha) Birch Coppice Business Park.

Turning Brown to Green

Acquired by IM Properties in 1997 transformation of the former Birch Coppice Colliery site began in 2000. From then on, IM Properties has embarked on a masterplan that will not only turn a brown site into green but will also regenerate vital employment opportunities in the region.

27th March 1987 marked the official closure date of Birch Coppice Colliery, although the final tonne of coal had been mined at the pit some time before that.

Mining in the Dordon area started in 1860. Fifteen years later two Birch Coppice shafts were sunk by the company Morris & Shaw Limited.

Between 1911 and 1924 another shaft was sunk to a depth 1,397 feet initially to raise coal but between 1921 and 1966 it was used for ventilation, pumping water and transporting men and materials.

A major reconstruction took place at Birch Coppice Colliery in 1933. The scheme involved new steel head frames, modification of the winding engines, a new surface screening plant and a completely redesigned underground layout, working the coal by a method which was modern for its time ~ longwall advance.

In 1947 Britain's coal mines were nationalised. In 1957 a second major reconstruction took place at Birch Coppice, deepening both the main shafts to a depth of 1,092 feet. Steam winding on all shafts was replaced with electrically powered winders. The coal mine closed in 1987.