Dudley's Falcon House to become 141 flats in £14m plan
Dudley's landmark Falcon House office block is to be turned into 141 flats in a £14 million regeneration project, it has been revealed.
The building has been bought by a 29-year-old developer from Nottingham, Arran Bailey, and his ALB Black Country Properties company, who are now seeking permission from Dudley Council for the redevelopment plan.
Mr Bailey wants to convert the 88,000 sq ft, eight storey building into 65 one bedroom and 76 two bedroom apartments.
It comes after the collapse of plans to demolish Falcon House to make way for a supermarket complex, which would have included a café and petrol station.
ALB Black Country has invested with UK property specialist Prosperity in purchasing the building.
Mr Bailey, the managing director of ALB Black Country, said: "The local area has been in need of new housing developments, and we are excited to play a big part in the area's regeneration.
"The project will be a great opportunity to bring more footfall to the town by attracting young professionals.
"This will help to boost the local economy and will improve the area's image by updating outdated buildings."
Falcon House, based in The Minories, dates back to the 1960s, and was earmarked as a target for redevelopment by the council several years ago.
ALB says its new development has has been 'well received' by the local community which is keen to see the dated building given a new lease of life.
Leeds architects firm Headoffice3 has designed the development and will be managing the works with the aim of completion in 2017. Glen Harding, chief executive of headoffice3, said: "We believe this project will genuinely improve the local demographics and breathe new life into a tired block in urgent need of renovation. The external façade alterations will create a new, vibrant and exciting feel to the building."
Mr Bailey added: "This is a fantastic project for us and we have received a lot of positive feedback already following the plans. We are very much looking forward to the start of the project so people can start to see the benefit of the regeneration." The application will be considered by Dudley council planners.
