Mine shafts and underground works delay 200 home development
Regeneration plans to transform a closed Victorian hospital into around 200 homes have met a stumbling block - in the form of mine shafts and underground limestone works.
Seven years ago the former Dudley Guest Hospital, off Tipton Road, was taken off the hands of the NHS by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for the major homes development.
Four years ago Wates Living Space was appointed developer for the £30million project at the historic site, which is next to the current Guest Hospital opposite the Black Country Living Museum.
Under a case study for the scheme by the agency, 218 homes and community facilities including a meeting or sports hall and a shop were to be built at the site. Start on construction was expected to begin two years ago, with completion targeted at the start of this year.
But work on the housing scheme is yet to start.
Today, agency spokesman Johanne Thomas said: "The HCA are still committed to the redevelopment of Dudley Guest Hospital and we are still working with the developers Wates Construction.
"Unforeseen site costs from issues such as mine shafts and limestone works amongst other things, has resulted in delays and so we are currently making some changes to the scheme to ensure it is still a viable project.
"We expect to have concluded this in the autumn when we will be in a position to announce the changes and revised timescales for the project."
Stewart Reid Business, director at Wates Living Space, said: "Our focus remains on working closely with the HCA to ensure that this complex regeneration project is built in the most cost-effective way.
"The unforeseen issues have meant that we have had to collaboratively readdress our plans in order to reach a solution that works for all parties and will ultimately bring these new homes for sale and rent to the people of Dudley."
The former hospital was built by the Earl of Dudley in 1849 for injured minors. It was later taken over by chainmaker Joseph Guest who turned it into a hospital.
The main Victorian closed about 10 years ago after most departments including accident and emergency moving to Russells Hall Hospital.
A horse-shoe shaped building was built next to the hospital in 2003, it is still open and provides services including immunology, respiratory medicine and dermatology.
Councillor Alan Finch said: "It's another beautiful building in the borough which I'm afraid is being left to wreck. It's been empty for too long, we've heard of plans, but something needs happening at the site sooner rather than later."
