Plans to transform Walsall tower into flats
The tallest building in a Black Country borough could be turned into more than 100 flats under new plans submitted to a council.
Plans have resurfaced to convert Tameway Tower, in Walsall, into residential accommodation.
A company called Prosperity Developments has submitted a planning application to Walsall Council to turn the site, located on Bridge Street, into 143 flats.
The building, which is 14-floors tall, was originally built as office accommodation in the 70s.
Councillors said providing new accommodation would be a positive step, but that safety around high-rise buildings need to made safe and secure in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster in London.
Walsall councillor Mohammad Nazir said: "We need to bring back accommodation to the town centre.
"However (the site) needs to be made safe. This is something all local authorities are looking at, we have to make sure people who live in high rise flats, they are safe and secure after what happened in London."
Previously, the building had been subject to a bid which would have seen the site transformed into 119 flats, however those plans never got off the ground.
A council report into the site: "The building is currently part occupied with offices on the lower ground, ground and first floors of the building forming the larger pedestal area of the building with the smaller footprint of levels two to 12 above. The remaining floors are empty but were former offices.
"At lower ground floor level is the Tameway Tower entrance hallway with access from Bridge Street.
"This lower ground floor also contains the plant room and an existing retail unit.
"An internal stairway then steps up to concierge and a disused restaurant premises.
"Bridge Street forms the northern site boundary and carries a high volume of traffic during the daytime and evening through the town centre.
"Traffic speeds on this section of road are limited by the close proximity of the road junctions with Goodall Street and Rushall Street both of which are controlled by traffic lights.
"Currently, the majority of the buildings beyond Bridge Street and Goodall Street are in commercial use including offices and retail space."
