Plans to transform former Oldbury Toys ‘R’ Us into retail park including gym and restaurant
A former Oldbury Toys ‘R’ Us store which has stood empty for almost two years could be transformed into a new retail park.
Sandwell Council’s planning committee is being asked to grant permission for the development which could include a 24-hour gym, shops, garden centre and a drive-thru restaurant.
Councillors have been recommended to approve the plans by New Street LLP which would see the frontage of the existing store being demolished and the building of an extension and standalone food outlet.
Despite the site being earmarked for high-quality jobs, planning officers have backed the scheme saying it will bring jobs and investment into the town.
In a report to the committee, they argue: "The development proposed would meet certain other Development Plan objectives, such as those for renewable energy, job creation, reuse of previously developed land, bringing vacant land back into beneficial use, securing investment in the borough and adding to the range of facilities in the local area.”
Oldbury Toys ‘R’ Us closed in April 2018 following the collapse of the national toy chain with a loss of 3,000 jobs across 100 stores.
The site is shared by a McDonald’s drive-thru which will continue to operate as part of the new retail park.
The application will be discussed at the next meeting of the planning committee on November 4.
