Old courthouse to be flattened and turned into homes
A former court building in Halesowen will be knocked down to make way for a three-storey apartment block under new plans.
The old magistrates court at the junction of Queensway and Laurel Lane has been empty since it closed five years ago and has been up for sale for the past few years. Now Ruskin Properties has unveiled plans to flatten it and create a housing block.
A total of 30 two-bedroom flats would be created in the block, with 42 parking spaces to be provided.
Experts behind the scheme have promised a 'stylish, modern development' on an 'important gateway' into the town. The dated court building, which opened in the 1970s and is opposite a multi-storey car park, is just a short distance from the town centre.
The plans have been lodged with Dudley Council, with a decision expected to be made in the next few weeks.
A statement submitted with the plans said: "The proposed development would make a positive contribution to local character and the distinctiveness of the area. The proposals would result in a high quality residential development that would compliment and enhance the character and quality of the area within which it stands."
Halesowen Magistrates Court closed in 2011 with the loss of around 70 jobs after being among several court buildings across the Midlands which were culled as part of Government cuts. It was among courthouses that were judged to be underused, with ministers saying it was no longer 'necessary or sustainable'.
West Bromwich has also remained empty and was put up for sale in February. It also comes weeks after it was announced Sandwell Magistrates Court in Oldbury would also be closing, meaning another Black Country court building will no longer be used.
Halesowen councillor Hilary Bills said she was pleased the site was finally going to be used again.
She said: "I am just glad people will be able to come into the town and use our shops. Once the decision was made to close the court housing was the only option left for that piece of land. We would have liked to have kept our court and police station and everything else we have lost in Halesowen but it's an empty building and it isn't going to be used again so I'm glad."
