Developer goes back to roots at hospital
Developer John Symons has gone back to his roots to transform the site of the Black Country hospital where he was born.
Developer John Symons has gone back to his roots to transform the site of the Black Country hospital where he was born.
Mr Symons, is managing director of George Wimpey West Midlands which is developing new homes on the former Wordsley Hospital site.
He was born at the hospital's maternity unit to parents John and Vi in August 1961.
And his links to the hospital do not stop there as his own daughter Sian, now 21, was born there in November 1987.
He said returning to the site had brought back a lot of good memories.
Mr Symons, aged 47, was raised in Gornal Wood. His parents still live there, near to the Crooked House pub. He now lives in Burntwood with his wife Tracy, aged 43.
"I find it very appropriate I should be helping in developing the future of a site which has played such a key role in my life," he said. "My daughter was one of the last babies to be born in the same annexes of the hospital where I came into the world.
"Shortly towards the end of 1987 a new maternity wing was opened at the hospital which at the time was very state-of-the-art.
"I am really proud of my roots. When Wordsley Hospital closed three years ago and the site became available for development it was a chance which was too good to miss.
"Apart from my obvious emotional ties to the hospital, I saw this as a great business opportunity and sought to acquire the site as soon as I became aware it was to be used for homes.
"It's one of the best Black Country sites to become available in quite a while."
Mr Symons said he was eager to keep aspects of the former hospital building on the site.
"We've been able to maintain the mature trees this area is known for and the best parts of the old building. Landmarks, like the clock tower, are being restored and retained as part of the new development.
"Wordsley Hospital and its importance to generations of families, including my own, will not be forgotten."
He said there had been 30 sales so far with advance sales secured for the remainder of 2009.
"Contrary to the belief every housebuilder is suspending operations, we are progressing at full tilt here and literally building to keep up with demand." Homes at Lawnswood Ride includes two-bedroom designer apartments, four bedroom, three-storey mews homes and five bedroom detached homes.
