Councillors have approved plans for 26 affordable flats in West Bromwich, revitalizing a historic site.
West Bromwich: Exciting news! Councillors have given the green light for new flats on the site of an old gas showroom. They’re planning to build 26 affordable flats right at the corner of Lombard Street West and West Bromwich High Street, next to the newly restored library.
This spot used to be home to a rundown showroom that was around for over 75 years. It was torn down in 2017 because it had become quite an eyesore. Some parts of that building were even moved to the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley.
Now, the Victorian Society wasn’t too happy about the design of the new flats, calling it “poor.” But Cllr Liam Preece, who represents the area, is all for it. He mentioned that the site is currently derelict and believes these new flats will really help improve the town center.
Before the meeting on January 8, Sandwell Council’s planning officers recommended that the application be approved. The Black Country Housing Group, which bought the land in 2022, said the new flats would have a modern look and be a striking addition to the High Street.
Interestingly, the council accepted a lower offer of £270,000 for the land to maintain control over the tenancies. They turned down a higher offer of £427,000 because it would only give them rights to six homes.
Last year, they also approved plans to rebuild the former gas showroom as part of a 1940s-1960s village. The building was in such bad shape that they couldn’t just fix it up brick by brick. Plus, the renovation of West Bromwich Town Hall and Central Library wrapped up in November, costing £7.5 million.
Oh, and just recently, there were plans announced to convert some grade II listed former offices across the street into a 36-bed house of multiple occupation. Exciting times ahead for West Bromwich!
