THE rebirth of Birmingham’s world-famous HP Sauce factory site is finally underway – four years after the gates closed following more than 100 years of production.

A £35 million development to convert the former HP sauce factory site at Aston into a cash and carry and spice distribution centre has been officially launched with a ground-breaking ceremony.

Almost four years after HP Sauce workers left the factory for the last time amid emotional scenes after Heinz switched production to Holland, work to redevelop the site has begun.

The factory was reduced to rubble in July 2007 and Black Country-based East End Foods bought the site for construction of a 100,000 sq ft wholesale cash and carry and distribution centre.