Work starts on £18m housing scheme on former Black Country hospital
DEVELOPER Wates Living Space has started work on an £18m housing scheme on the site of a former Black Country hospital.
The former Guest Hospital on Tipton Road in Dudley will be able to sustain 157 new homes, in a scheme being developed in partnership with the Homes & Communities Agency and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
Wates Living Space will create a combination of 127 new build homes and 30 refurbished properties, including the restoration of the locally listed former porter’s lodge, which sits on the site and is under ownership of the HCA.
Designed by architect, Armstrong Burton, 118 homes will be sold on the open market and 39 will be available for rent through Dudley MBC, following completion in summer 2019.
The developer has pledged to use local suppliers and contractors for as much of the work as possible. It is also looking to create trai8ning opportunities for local people.
Joanne Jamieson, managing director, Wates Living Space Homes, said: “This development is a reflection of the huge partnership effort between ourselves, the HCA, Dudley MBC and the community to bring this scheme to fruition. Crucially, we have ensured we are delivering the high quality, affordable properties required by the area whilst remaining sensitive to the needs of local people and businesses.
“It is now our express intention to work with a locally-sourced supply chain and use our presence in Dudley to create tangible employment and training opportunities.”
Cllr Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing at Dudley Council, added: “This is an extremely welcome and exciting regeneration project. It will enable the provision of more affordable housing for our residents and bring an historic building back into use offering luxury apartments. This development compliments the regeneration of the area offering a significant economic and social boost to the local community.”
