£14m transformation of former office block nears completion

The £14m transformation of an outdated office block in Dudley into apartments is nearing completion.

A total of 141 flats will go on the market at Castle Court as part of a project by entrepreneur Arran Bailey, with the 18-month scheme due for completion in June.

Bailey, managing director of ALB Black Country Properties, bought the eight-storey office block, known as Falcon House, based in The Minories.

The regeneration project has seen the building transformed into 65 one-bedroom and 76 two-bedroom apartments, with the first show home now available to view.

Bailey, said: “This latest development will provide much needed housing for people in Dudley. The new apartments look great and will appeal to young professionals in the town who may have been struggling to get on the property ladder.

“These apartments will go a long way in regenerating the area, attracting footfall and boosting the economy.

“We look forward to inviting people to come and view the show home to see what we have done with the building.”

Joe Billingham, from Prosperity-Wealth, said:  “The units are selling very quickly due to the location, yield and potential for capital appreciation – particularly once news broke of the new metro link connection into central Birmingham, meaning the commute will be just a 20 minute transfer into New Street.”

Nigel Rhodes, managing director of DL Rhodes, the building contractors who worked on the project, said: “Once again it has been fantastic working closely with ALB. This is our third large development with the company. The apartments are looking excellent and we are looking forward to handing them over towards the end of June.

“I have spoken to a lot of businesses and they are buzzing because they realise it will bring a lot of footfall into the area. It will boost the economy and make the area look superb.”

Lamont & Co, Birmingham’s lettings and management agent, has been appointed to Castle Court.