Wolverhampton eye infirmary in new flats plan

The sprawling site on Compton Road has been left to wrack and ruin since it closed its doors in 2007.

But the Express & Star understands that retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone is in talks to buy the plot from current owners the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

Sources said the site was being earmarked for retirement flats.

The Dorset-based firm already has one property in Wolverhampton, with a further three in the pipeline, the latest of which is the controversial development of 'The Clock House' in Stockwell Road, Tettenhall.

Mike Goodwin, head of estates and development at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: "The trust is making good progress in the disposal of that particular site.

"We will be making a statement at the appropriate time."

McCarthy and Stone declined to comment.

Councillor Craig Collingswood, who represents Park ward, said it would be a huge relief to finally see workers move onto the Compton Road site.

"There has been so much development in the Chapel Ash area of late, but the eye hospital has been a real blot on the landscape that no one has been able to do anything with," he said.

"It has been a complete mess for too long and is in dire need of regeneration.

"I'm sure that residents will join me in welcoming any move that brings the site back to life."

The eye infirmary originally opened in 1888 and features two spired turrets, an accident and emergency extension, a nursing home, a large car park and gardens.

It was originally put on the market for £6 million in 1997. The site has seen interest from a number of parties, including a consortium led by former Poundland boss Steve Smith, but no development has ever got off the ground.

It has been the scene of numerous vandalism and arson attacks over the years and has previously been used as a squat for drug addicts and alcoholics.

In 2013 three men had to be rescued after a fire in the building that saw around 30 firefighters called to tackle the blaze. Security at the site costs £40,000 a year.

It is one of the last of the city's major eyesores, with other derelict sites having either been overhauled or earmarked for redevelopment in recent years.

The new Sainsbury's was built on land off Ring Road St Marks, while the Royal Hospital site is set to be turned into housing and plans have been submitted to turn the old Sainsbury's into shops and offices.

Meanwhile the former Charles Clark car dealership on Merridale Street has been transformed into flats and retail units after a £4m redevelopment.