£240k to convert empty properties in Walsall
Empty bedsits will be transformed into apartments in a £240,000 project to tackle the rising number of empty properties in Walsall.
It is part of a drive to bring empty homes back into use.
See also: 300 homes plan for former Walsall estate left empty for years.
Four blocks of flats in Hadley Road on the Beechdale estate are each having a ground floor bedsit and a bin storage area converted into one-bedroom apartments.
The accommodation will have wheelchair access, a mobility scooter charging area. A new entrance canopy will also be added to each block.
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The work is being done by the Friendship Care and Housing group.
Head of property and investment Neil Ashford, said: "These bedsits have been empty for 10 years and it's great to see them take on a new lease of life.
"These apartments are being offered at affordable rent, so we're working with Walsall Council to get early nominations.
"We will then be in a position to consult with our customers whilst the work is in progress and where possible, tailor each apartment to suit their specific need."
The 26-week scheme will see two flats handed over before the end of the year and the remaining two in early 2015.
Figures earlier this year showed more than 31,000 people were waiting for homes – but over 1,000 were not being used. However, the number of empty properties has more than halved in the last two years – from 2,500 in 2011 – and bosses insist progress is being made.
