Flats plan for empty office space
Offices that have lain empty for the best part of a decade will be converted into new town centre apartments.
Developers said the first floor space above a shop in Lichfield Street, Walsall, have failed to generate interest and sit in an area with a lot of unused offices.
But it will now be redeveloped into two flats after Walsall Council planning officers gave the green light to the plan submitted by developer Sarju Raikundalia.
As well as bringing a vacant unit back into use, agents ADM Studio said the new one-bedroom apartments would bring more attractive living to the town centre.
In the application, they said: “The existing large office is unattractive due to its location being above shop and prolonged vacant possession due to the abundance of empty office space available on Lichfield Street.
“The proximity of public transport, local amenities provides high demand for small flats in this central area creates the opportunity to provide smaller households which will be refurbished to a high standard.
“The proposed development will provide high quality housing units which are comfortably above the minimum space standards required.
“Therefore, they provide a positive living environment for potential occupiers.
“The proposed units are within a short distance from public transport and local amenities.
“Overall, the scheme will be beneficial to the local area and the wider borough by bringing back into a use a vacant unit.”
