Flats plan set to protect historic Walsall shop building
New apartments could be built above a charity shop in Bloxwich to protect the building from deteriorating further in the future.
Developer RW Allman Ltd has put forward proposals to convert to the first and second floors above Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust shop in the High Street into three new flats.
In their application, they said transforming the empty former offices would stop the continued dilapidation of the property as well as providing a boost to the local economy.
Walsall Council planning officers are anticipated to make a decision on the plans in March.
Agents Sigma Surveying Services said: “Built in the 1800s with evidence from historic maps dating back to 1882, the architecture of the building façade is very much in keeping with the Victorian period.
“The purpose of the building would have been to provide much needed office space during the booming industrial period in the West Midlands.
“Offices at first and second floors were most likely to be occupied by solicitors, accountants, and other professional services.
“The ground floors were designed as commercial outlets. The building has largely remained as original however an application was submitted in 1997 for a new shop front. This shop front appears to have been designed sympathetically in keeping with the age of the building in a Victorian style.
“The proposal of converting part of this building into three dwellings is vital to the preservation of the building.
“Currently the large commercial unit on ground floor no longer requires the office spaces on the floors above.
“Should the first and second floors remain vacant it could lead to a detrimental effect on the fabric of the building and could lead to further dilapidation.
“Creating a better use of the first and second floors is imperative to have the building reoccupied again and occupied flats would bring back vitality and activity back to this High Street.
“By developing the existing building into flats improves the likely hood of occupancy of this building, which would satisfy a requirement for much needed housing in the area but also provide an economic benefit by increasing activity within the High Street.”
