First look at new block of flats in West Bromwich
This artist's impression offers the first glimpse of a new apartment block in West Bromwich town centre.
The six-storey block in Victoria Street includes 49 new homes.
Developers said it is due to be completed by August next year.
The block is being built on a car park in the town centre and will have an underground car park for residents.
When they submitted proposals, planning agent Detail, on behalf of DR Developments, said the build would transform the ‘distressed’ site and attract investment.
A statement currently on property website Right Move says: "This site occupies a prominent position on Victoria Street which leads directly off the main West Bromwich High Street, with Junction 1 of the M5 motorway being approximately one mile away.
"The metro station and bus station are both within easy walking distance, as is the new Tesco led New Square Retail development.
"On January 11....planning was granted for the development of four ground floor retail units and 49 apartments above.
"The proposed retail units extend to a total of 3,466 sq ft, and shall benefit from A2/A3 licensing."
A report with the planning application said: “The existing site in its current state does not create a pleasant environment.
"Due to the absence of people and disuse there is limited natural surveillance to the site, which could encourage anti-social behaviour.
“A site of this nature gives nothing back to the community. The proposed scheme will give the area a mixed-use development, and a site that is no longer a potential threat with anti-social behaviour.
“The location would provide a sustainable and suitable location for a residential living with good access links and amenities close by.”
