Bedsits plan for Walsall town centre offices
Disused offices in a Black Country town centre could be converted into more than 30 new bedsits if a proposal gets the green light.
Central Homes Ltd are looking to transform the Lichfield Street offices, in Walsall, into a 34 room block which will be split between creating student accommodation and housing for multiple occupancy (HMO).
The applicant is also looking to extend the current building in order to facilitate the new development, which is currently being considered by planning officers at Walsall Council.
If agreed, 18 of the bedsits will be earmarked for students while the remaining 16 will be for HMOs.
The existing offices, next door to the Arbor Lights pub, have been empty for some time and it is hoped the development will breathe new life into the main route into the town centre.
In the application, agents BM3 Architecture said: “The current use of the building is offices and we propose to totally refurbish the interior.
“The location is ideal for the proposal, being within the centre of Walsall in the proximity of all local amenities.
“The scheme consists of a total of 18 bedsits for student accommodation, and 16 bedsits for the HMO. The building has been divided in two parts to better address the different use proposed.
“Considering the sites central location and good public transport connections, a total of seven parking spaces have been considered suitable for the hotel customers or staff. Bike storage is also be provided on site.”
