Care home plans for former Walsall town centre pub
A former Black Country town centre pub with a troubled past could be transformed into a care home, under plans poised to create dozens of jobs.
The Market Tavern, in Walsall, would become a retreat care home for people with learning disabilities, mental health and physical disabilities.
According to plans lodged with Walsall Council, it would add 'vitality' to the town centre and create more than 35 jobs.
The former pub, in High Street, would be converted into a 10 bedroom independent care home and would provide accommodation to people who can no longer live in their own home or require a period of respite.
It would specialise in the short and longer term rehabilitation of people aged between18 and 65 with learning disabilities, varying
degrees of mental health disorders and physical disabilities.
According to the plans, during its time as a pub the property was plagued with problems of crime and disruptive behaviour, including violence and vandalism.
A planning report, lodged with the application, reads: "The proposed development will transform a redundant public house into a care home that will benefit adults between the ages of 18 to 65, creating over 35 jobs in the area.
"The project already has the support of the local Police force who are familiar with the crime and disruptive behaviour that surrounded the premises while it served as a public house.
"As a care home, the property would prevent crime and encourage a greater sense of community safety.
"The proposal will add variety and vitality to Walsall town centre, which has been identified as an area of particular need for this type of development.
"Furthermore, the care home will meet the increasing demand for mental health care in the area."
The basement of the building, which was used as a nightclub, would be used as a multi-sensory stimulation area by people with mental disabilities.
The ground floor, which was formerly used as a bar, would be converted into a reception and office area with a waiting room, coffee area and drop-in centre.
The drop-in centre would provide a space where people using the multi-sensory stimulation area can sit, relax and have refreshments.
Health professionals and local police support groups will also be able to offer support to people in the care home.
The first and second floors would be adapted to accommodate bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Communal living and dining areas are also planned on the first and second floors for the people staying in the ten rooms.
