Former Blackheath day centre set to become apartments
A former day centre is set to be converted into more than 40 apartments.
Homes would be created at Regis Lodge in Blackheath, under new plans.
Developers have moved to try and regenerate the building, which sold for almost half a million pounds at auction last year.
A total of 43 apartments would be created, with Regis Lodge to be extended as part of the development.
Regis Lodge, on George Avenue, went on the market last year followings its closure. It had also previously been used by Sandwell Council.
A mix of one and two bedroom apartments would be created with the existing access to the building to remain. Developers also plan to take advantage of the car park already at the site, which would be extended to provide more parking spaces for residents.
A courtyard previously used by elderly visitors would become a communal garden.
Blackheath councillor Danny Millard said the plans would be a boost for the area.
He said: "It is good to have more places for people to live. Blackheath is a popular area and it is no surprise people want to build new homes here.
"It is a good location there so it shouldn't cause too many problems and is making good use of a disused building."
A design statement by Zebra Architects, which has drawn up the plans, said: "As an edge of town centre redevelopment, the proposal is inherently sustainable.
"The site is within a short walking distance from an excellent range of amenities.
"The proposal centres around the reuse of an existing building. This also brings with it inherent sustainability advantages as materials required to facilitate the development can be kept to a minimum.
"The existing building has been re-planned internally to utilise the existing access point to the building, as well as a redesigned car park.
"The vehicular access point remains as per the existing, which provides easy access for refuse collection as well as service access for meters and the like."
Rowley Lodge sold for almost three times its asking price when it went up for auction with SDL Bigwood.
The proposals will now be assessed by Sandwell Council planning officers, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
