Developer pledges jobs as it sets out to transform ‘eyesore’ site

Two brothers have completed purchase on a former Dudley Road boxing gym dubbed an “eyesore” and vowed to bring jobs to the site.

Phil and Mark Stewardson of Stewardson Developments are set to invest £1m in the purchase and renovation of the site, which was the former home of the Black Country Boxing Club in Lye.

They are now planning to attract jobs and businesses to the site, which sits on half an acre and comprises a 3,500 sq ft retail unit.

Phil Stewardson, director of Stewardson Developments, said: “We have long had an interest in this property. Being on the main route to Merry Hill shopping centre it’s strategically perfectly placed and we’re confident of bringing a big-name brand to the site along with the jobs that entails.”

Co-director Mark Stewardson said: “Stewardson Developments has a proven track record in redeveloping residential property over the past 25 years and we are increasingly expanding our commercial holdings.

“We are a family business, keen on regenerating in our local area and supporting the community by exploring the roadside retail potential of Dudley Road.”

The sale was handled by Paul Kettle at George Green Solicitors and was sold by Bond Wolfe in Birmingham.

Stewardson Developments was represented by Harvey Pearson of Hexagon Commercial Property.

Pearson said: “We’re thrilled that we were able to deliver this purchase for Phil and Mark.

“We are already speaking with many national and international organisations who have an interest in leasing the site.

“I have no doubt this site, which was previously an eyesore, will be completely transformed in a short space of time and will complement local occupiers like Aldi and Subway very well.”