A BRIERLEY Hill industrial estate, well-known for its iconic tank, has been sold in a deal worth around £6million.

The Delph Industrial Estate, which has 40 units let by a range of businesses, has been sold by veteran Black Country businessman, Tony Whittaker, who opened the once derelict site in 1982 to help create new jobs.

Mr Whittaker, aged 78, is a former national weightlifting champion who was born on Delph Road, the same as the industrial estate.

Just one year after opening the industrial estate, in 1983 he built and opened the Nine Locks and Chainmakers pub on Amblecote Road, then the largest pub in the region.

He has confirmed that the “landmark” 64-tonne Chieftan tank which sits at the entrance to the estate will be retained by the new owners, property group Telereal Trillium.

Commercial property specialists at mfg Solicitors, based in Kidderminster, handled the deal.

Partner Ben Rothery said: “The Delph Industrial Estate has provided jobs for hundreds of people over the past 40 years and been given a terrific base and launchpad for many businesses.

"Tony and his family have built the estate up from scratch and rightly gained a reputation as a businessman who has the community at heart".

Tony Whittaker added: “We have built the estate up from what was a series of derelict buildings and yards after the sad demise of the Round Oak works in the 1970s. It gives us immense pleasure to have completed the project and leave things in good hands.

“We have managed the site through some extremely tough times over the past four decades but it has been great to see so many businesses continue to grow and thrive from it – including our own family business, Midland Fabric and Bar.

“I want to praise the superb work from Ben and Rachel to get the deal across the line smoothly and in an unbelievable timescale. Their advice and support has been first-class.”